Bill
Bill > S1617
NJ S1617
NJ S1617Prohibits telecommunications, utility or cable television companies from charging certain customers prior to actual billing due date.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to prohibit a telecommunications company, electric public utility, gas public utility or cable television company from charging a credit card customer or direct debit customer for service prior to the actual billing due date that would apply if the customer were to pay by cash, money order or personal check, unless: 1) the customer expressly agrees in writing to be charged for service on an earlier date; or 2) the customer makes such a request to the company or utility by telephone or by other means approved by the BPU.
AI Summary
This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), a state agency that oversees utility companies, to prohibit telecommunications, electric, gas, and cable television companies from charging customers who pay by credit card or direct debit (meaning automatic withdrawal from a bank account) before their actual billing due date, which is the same date that would apply if they paid by cash, money order, or personal check. However, companies can still charge these customers earlier if the customer explicitly agrees to this in writing or if the customer requests the earlier charge by phone or another method approved by the BPU. The bill also defines various terms like "credit card customer" and "direct debit customer" and allows the BPU to create rules to implement these changes, with the law taking effect 90 days after it's passed.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1617 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1617_I1.HTM |
Loading...