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Committee releases amended bill targeting misleading 'free' offers; sponsor seeks carve-outs for broadband
Summary
Assembly Bill 2477, amended to clarify 'product' and 'contracted service' definitions and replace 'person' with 'provider,' was released after stakeholder discussion; one committee member abstained while the sponsor said further carve-outs (broadband/telecom) may be needed.
The Consumer Affairs Committee released Assembly Bill 2477 as amended, a measure aimed at prohibiting misleading advertising of products promoted as "free."
Clerk Katie read amendments that broaden the bill’s definitions to include contracted services — memberships, subscriptions and technological services — clarify the definition of product, and replace the term "person" with "provider." The sponsor said she intends an additional amendment to carve out broadband and telecom industries after recent stakeholder input.
Stakeholder positions were read into the record: Athea Ford of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association was listed as opposed; Michael Eglinton of the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce is working with the sponsor on amendments; "Adam G" of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey was listed in favor.
A committee member said she was "waiting for the amendments" and abstained from the recorded vote. The motion to amend and release passed with four 'yes' votes and one abstention. The sponsor said she would continue to work with industries and may bring further amendments.
