Bill > A5406

Introduced Session

This bill prohibits self-service storage facilities from charging late fees and other punitive fees when a consumer is paying with a voucher and the payment is delayed by the issuing authority of the voucher. Currently, a self-storage facility may charge certain penalty fees when a consumer misses a payment deadline. Additionally, the consumer may lose access to their stored belongings in measures leading up to a foreclosure. In the instance of a person paying with a voucher, the delayed payment may be due to the actions of the issuing authority. This bill prohibits a storage facility from charging punitive fees to a consumer using a voucher issued in accordance with provisions of Work First New Jersey or any other federal or State income assistance program established by law when the payment is delayed by the issuing authority of the voucher. An initial violation of the bill's provisions is punishable by a monetary penalty of $1,000. Any subsequent violation of the bill's provisions is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act, punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, violations may result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Linda Carter (D)*,  Tennille McCoy (D)*,  Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee (on 03/06/2025)

Official Document