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 establishes those practices of a creditor, in collecting payment of a debt, that are to be considered unfair, deceptive, and unreasonable. Among those practices are: (1) communications or threats of communications, or implications of the fact of debt or alleged debt to a person other than the person who may reasonably be expected to be liable for the debt; (2) harassing or embarrassing communication by the creditor to the alleged debtor, including, but not limited to, communication at an unreasonable hour, with unreasonable frequency, by threats of violence, by use of offensive language, or by threats of any action which the creditor in the usual course of business does not in fact take; and (3) communications with the alleged debtor using forms or other instruments that simulate the form or appearance of the judicial process. Among other practices considered in the bill to be unfair, deceptive, and unreasonable is the simulation of a law enforcement officer or agent of the government and attempts to join the debtor's social media network. Civil penalties in the bill include $2,500 for a first violation and $5,000 for any subsequent violation. Additionally, any person aggrieved by violation of this act may bring an action in Superior Court to recover damages.
AI Summary
This bill establishes prohibited practices for creditors collecting debts from individuals in New Jersey for personal, family, or household purposes, deeming such actions unfair, deceptive, or unreasonable. Specifically, creditors are forbidden from discussing a debt with anyone other than the person liable for it, unless they have written permission, and cannot harass or embarrass debtors through communications at unreasonable times or with excessive frequency, using threats of violence, offensive language, or threats of actions they don't actually take. Furthermore, creditors are prohibited from using documents that look like official court papers, impersonating law enforcement or government officials, or attempting to connect with debtors on social media for debt collection. Violators face civil penalties of $2,500 for a first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses, and individuals harmed by these practices can sue in Superior Court for damages.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce 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/S2093 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2093_I1.HTM |
Loading...