Bill
Bill > A2615
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 prohibits wholesale dealers from unconscionably raising the sale price of physical goods in a manner that is not justified by inflation, abnormal market disruptions, or natural fluctuations in supply and demand. This practice, often known as and defined in the bill as "price gouging," is harmful to small businesses. A 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. It is the intent of the sponsor to prohibit "price gouging" to protect small businesses from being sold physical goods at an unfair price by wholesale dealers.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits "price gouging," which is defined as unconscionably raising the sale price of "physical goods" – meaning items bought for personal, family, or household use like food or medical supplies – by "wholesale dealers" – businesses that sell these goods for resale to retailers or other businesses – unless the price increase is justified by inflation, abnormal market disruptions, or natural supply and demand changes. Violating this prohibition is considered an unlawful practice under the state's consumer fraud act, carrying penalties of up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $20,000 for subsequent offenses, and may also lead to cease and desist orders from the Attorney General, punitive damages, and treble damages and costs for the injured party, all aimed at protecting small businesses from unfair pricing by wholesale suppliers.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2615 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2615_I1.HTM |
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