New Jersey Senate Bill S1694

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Requires account numbers to be truncated on certain sales receipts.

Impact

The impact of S1694 lies in its efforts to safeguard consumer information during retail transactions. By ensuring that sensitive data such as complete account numbers and expiration dates are not printed on receipts, the bill aims to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to customers' financial information. With penalties of up to $1,000 for violations, the bill establishes accountability for businesses that fail to comply with these regulations. This legislative move reflects a growing emphasis on privacy in consumer transactions.

Summary

Senate Bill S1694, introduced in New Jersey, mandates that retail establishments truncate account numbers on certain sales receipts. This includes credit and debit card account numbers, limiting the printed information to only the last five digits. Additionally, the bill specifies that this prohibition will also apply to copies of the sales receipts retained by the merchant, thereby enhancing consumer protection against potential fraud and identity theft.

Contention

While S1694 echoes significant support from consumer protection advocates, there may be concerns among some business operators regarding the implementation and compliance costs associated with modifying point of sale systems. Retailers might argue that such restrictions may require updates to their technology or operational practices, potentially leading to increased expenditure. Furthermore, some stakeholders might contend that existing laws already provide sufficient consumer protection and that additional measures could impose unnecessary burdens on businesses.