Requires certain disclosures by providers of commercial financing.
By enforcing these disclosure requirements, A2150 seeks to empower recipients of commercial financing to make informed decisions. The bill dictates that all required disclosures must be presented in a clear and prominent manner, facilitating easier comparison between financing options. Additionally, the bill stipulates that providers must secure either a written or electronic signature from recipients on the disclosures before proceeding with the financing transaction, reflecting a significant commitment to consumer protection in the financial services landscape.
Assembly Bill A2150 aims to enhance transparency in the commercial financing sector by mandating specific disclosures from providers to the recipients of such financing. The bill defines 'providers' as individuals or entities that extend offers of commercial financing and includes brokers who solicit and present these offers. It explicitly states the types of financing covered, including open-end and closed-end financing, sales-based financing, and factoring transactions. The legislation establishes obligations for providers to disclose essential details at the time an offer is made, such as the finance charge, estimated annual percentage rate, total repayment amounts, and any collateral requirements.
The proposed legislation does not apply to certain entities, such as financial institutions, large transactions over $500,000, or individuals providing a limited number of transactions annually. This exclusion may raise concerns among some stakeholders about the bill's comprehensiveness. Furthermore, penalties for non-compliance are outlined in the bill, with fines up to $10,000 for willful violations, which may pose a deterrent for non-compliant behavior among financial providers.
As the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance is tasked with developing regulations relating to the required disclosures, the practical implementation of this bill will depend on the regulatory framework established after its passage. The success of A2150 will also hinge on ongoing discussions between advocates for consumer protection and the financial industry regarding the adequacy of these requirements and the potential need for further reforms.