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Bill > S2080


NJ S2080

NJ S2080
Revises law concerning prohibition of certain unsolicited checks.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill changes the penalties for a violation of the law prohibiting certain unsolicited checks, enacted as P.L.2015, c.120 (C.2A:65D-6 et seq.). Under this law, no person may send an unsolicited check to an individual which, upon being cashed or redeemed, automatically obligates the recipient to pay any fee or enrolls that individual in any club, service, plan, or continuing agreement. A person violating this provision is subject to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $500 for a first violation and $1,000 for each subsequent violation. Under this bill, a first violation is subject to a civil penalty of up to $500, and up to $1,000 for a second violation. A third violation is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act (CFA), P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), and would be considered a first offense under the CFA, with a fourth or additional violation considered a subsequent offense under the CFA. An unlawful practice under the CFA is 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. Additionally, 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

This bill amends existing law that prohibits sending unsolicited checks that automatically obligate the recipient to pay a fee or enroll in a service upon cashing. Under the revised law, a first violation of this prohibition will result in a civil penalty of up to $500, and a second violation will incur a penalty of up to $1,000. Crucially, a third violation is now considered an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud Act (CFA), a law designed to protect consumers from deceptive business practices, and will be treated as a first offense under the CFA, with penalties of up to $10,000. Subsequent violations will be treated as further offenses under the CFA, with penalties of up to $20,000, and may also lead to cease and desist orders from the Attorney General, punitive damages, and treble damages for the injured party.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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