Allows use of Internet website address in advertisements for purposes of communicating license numbers of burglar alarm, fire alarm, and locksmith businesses and professionals.
If enacted, S2497 will amend existing regulations that require businesses in the burglar alarm, fire alarm, and locksmith sectors to display their license numbers explicitly in various forms of advertising, including classified directories and professional stationery. The new provision mandates that the license numbers be clearly accessible on the businesses' websites if an Internet address is used in place of the explicit license display. This adjustment is expected to streamline advertising methods and engage a more digital-oriented consumer base while also maintaining necessary oversight.
Senate Bill S2497, introduced on May 12, 2022, seeks to modernize the advertising practices for businesses involved in burglar alarm, fire alarm, and locksmith services in New Jersey. The bill allows these businesses to include their Internet website addresses in advertisements as a means of communicating their license numbers to consumers. This change is intended to improve clarity and accessibility for consumers when seeking services in these industries. By allowing businesses to direct potential customers to their websites, S2497 aims to enhance transparency regarding licensing information.
While the bill generally received support, discussions revealed concerns about potential risks in consumer protection and licensing clarity. Some opponents expressed that relying on web access to communicate licensing information could lead to confusion if consumers do not fully understand how to navigate these resources. Nevertheless, supporters argue that it reflects contemporary marketing practices and considers the evolving landscape of consumer behavior, where many rely on the Internet for information.