New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1543

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Requires cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include certain fees and charges for service in advertised price to consumers.

Impact

The bill seeks to amend the existing consumer protection regulations in New Jersey, particularly related to pricing practices of service providers. By enforcing such requirements on CATV and streaming service companies, A1543 aims to mitigate misleading advertising that often leaves consumers unaware of additional fees until they receive their bills. This could potentially lead to more informed decision-making by consumers when selecting service providers and foster competition based on clearer pricing.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1543 requires cable television (CATV), direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include all applicable fees and charges in the prices they advertise to consumers in New Jersey. Under the new regulations, companies must present the total billable amount for services based on the minimum necessary equipment to receive and operate said services. This requirement is aimed at enhancing transparency for consumers regarding the actual costs associated with their television services.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the exceptions included in the bill stipulating that companies do not need to include taxes or fees mandated by federal or state law in their advertised prices. Critics may argue that this provision could still allow for some degree of misleading advertising where consumers might overlook that additional charges could apply. Furthermore, the enforcement of penalties for non-compliance, which includes significant monetary fines, may provoke debates regarding the regulatory burden on service providers and the potential for inflated consumer prices as companies adjust to comply with the new regulations.

Companion Bills

NJ S1340

Same As Requires cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include certain fees and charges for service in advertised price to consumers.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1225

Requires cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include certain fees and charges for service in advertised price to consumers.

NJ S1340

Requires cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include certain fees and charges for service in advertised price to consumers.

NJ A3068

Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.

NJ A194

Requires cable television companies to provide cable television service and broadband Internet speed to all committed service areas before cable television companies allow paid prioritization of Internet network traffic.

NJ A204

Requires certain cable television companies renewing system-wide franchise to make cable television service available within certain municipalities.

NJ A193

Requires cable television companies to provide faster Internet access speed to certain customers.

NJ A5249

Prohibits sports wagering advertisements on television broadcasts in this State.

NJ A1884

Requires telecommunications, cable television, and Internet service providers to allow service recipients to terminate service contracts following physician's referral to long-term care facility.

NJ S1155

Exempts cable television subscriber from notifying cable television company, Office of Cable Television, or other complaint officer of cable television service outage to receive credit or rebate.

NJ HCR99

Urges and requests all cable and satellite television providers to provide access to all three La. Public Broadcasting channels

Similar Bills

NJ S1340

Requires cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include certain fees and charges for service in advertised price to consumers.

NJ S1225

Requires cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include certain fees and charges for service in advertised price to consumers.

CA AB2355

Political Reform Act of 1974: political advertisements: artificial intelligence.

LA HB632

Provides the method of calculating taxable income derived from broadcasting film and radio programming which is attributable to activity in La. (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)

US HB2599

Honest Ads Act

US SB486

Honest Ads Act

US HB6996

Block Foreign-Funded Political Ads Act

NM HB182

Election Changes