Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez

CONSUMER AFFAIRS PANEL TO TAKE UP
PRO-SHOPPER LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE
Measures to Require Stores to Charge Customers Advertised 'After-Rebate' Prices,
Expand Gift-Card-Buyer Protections Top Consumer-Friendly Bills to be Considered

(TRENTON) -- The Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee tomorrow is scheduled to consider a package of legislation aimed at enhancing shoppers’ rights through more transparent pricing and product labeling and disclosure policies."In our ever-evolving marketplace, we must ensure that consumers are properly protected from being ripped-off," said Committee Chairwoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Camden). "This legislative package would bring stronger meaning to the old phrase 'the customer is always right.'"

The consumer affairs panel is scheduled to meet 10 a.m. Thursday, January 18, in Committee Room 14, 4th Floor, State House Annex, Trenton.

A lead measure (A-3539) in the pro-consumer package would require retailers advertising an "after-rebate" price to honor that lower price at the time of purchase, rather than making buyers send in coupons or log-on to manufacturer's Web sites to claim their savings. The bill was introduced last fall by Assemblymen John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester).

Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) is sponsoring a bill (A-2258) to incorporate prepaid bank gift cards – such as mall gift cards -- under the state's law prohibiting for at least 24 months the charging of dormancy fees.

Another bill (A-1361) would require the clear disclosure of all terms, conditions, and limitations on prepaid telephone calling cards. It is being sponsored by Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) and Assembly members Joan Quigley (D-Hudson), Joseph Vas (D-Middlesex), and Alison McHose (R-Sussex).

A final measure in the package (A-2806) -- sponsored by Assemblymen Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester), Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland) and David Mayer (D-Camden) -- would mandate the clear labeling of meat treated with coloring agents or other processes meant to enhance its appearance.

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FOR RELEASE:
January 17, 2007

CONTACT:
Chairwoman Cruz-Perez
(856) 541-1251
Derek Roseman
(609) 292-7065