New Jersey Assembly Bill A2468

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/27/25

Caption

Prohibits telecommunications, utility or cable television companies from charging certain customers prior to actual billing due date.

Impact

If enacted, A2468 will have significant implications on how utility and telecommunications companies operate regarding billing practices in New Jersey. The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) will oversee the enforcement of this bill, which means that these companies will need to adjust their billing cycles and practices to comply with the new regulations. By doing so, it aims to prevent unexpected charges for consumers, thereby increasing consumer trust and potentially influencing how these companies engage with their customers in financial transactions.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2468 aims to protect consumers by preventing telecommunications, utility, or cable television companies from charging customers prior to their actual billing due date. The bill specifically focuses on credit card and direct debit customers, disallowing these companies from charging them before the due date that would apply if they were to pay by cash, money order, or personal check, unless the customer has given explicit written consent for an earlier charge. This aims to enhance transparency and consumer rights in billing practices.

Contention

While the bill aims to safeguard consumer interests, there may be contention surrounding the adjustments that these companies must make to realign with the new regulations. Industry stakeholders could argue that this regulation may complicate their billing processes or adversely affect their cash flow, especially if they rely on automated billing systems. However, proponents of the bill would assert that it is a necessary step for consumer protection, emphasizing that it is fundamentally about the consumers' right to know when they are being charged and how much they are being charged in a timely manner.