New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3536

Introduced
3/8/22  

Caption

Requires reporting agencies to report to Division of Consumer Affairs number of free consumer reports furnished to New Jersey resident consumers annually.

Impact

The implementation of A3536 is expected to strengthen consumer protection in New Jersey by ensuring that residents are aware of the availability of free consumer reports. This bill will empower consumers to monitor their credit standing and endorse financial literacy. Moreover, by tracking the distribution of free reports, the Division of Consumer Affairs can better understand consumer utilization and improve outreach and educational efforts regarding credit reports.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3536 requires every reporting agency that compiles and maintains consumer files on a nationwide basis to report to the Division of Consumer Affairs the number of free consumer reports they have furnished to New Jersey resident consumers each year. The agencies must provide this report annually by March 1, detailing how many consumers received one free report and how many received two. This requirement aims to enhance transparency regarding access to personal credit information for residents of New Jersey.

Contention

While the bill generally received support for enhancing transparency, certain points of contention arose regarding the compliance requirements placed on the reporting agencies. Critics argue that the penalties for non-compliance, which can go up to $10,000, might impose undue burdens on smaller agencies. Further, there is concern regarding how the reporting will affect overall practices in consumer reporting, particularly whether it will lead to increased demand for consumer reports and the subsequent management of those requests.

Companion Bills

NJ S1757

Same As Requires reporting agencies to report to Division of Consumer Affairs number of free consumer reports furnished to New Jersey resident consumers annually.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3457

Requires reporting agencies to report to Division of Consumer Affairs number of free consumer reports furnished to New Jersey resident consumers annually.

NJ A10651

Requires that consumer reporting agencies contact consumers when a request is made for their consumer reports; requires consumer reporting agencies to provide the consumer with information pertaining to the entity that requested the consumer report.

NJ S1322

Requires consumer reporting agencies to provide a consumer with a free credit report three times during any 12-month period upon request.

NJ S01256

Requires that consumer reporting agencies contact consumers when a request is made for their consumer reports; requires consumer reporting agencies to provide the consumer with information pertaining to the entity that requested the consumer report.

NJ S02248

Requires that consumer reporting agencies contact consumers when a request is made for their consumer reports; requires consumer reporting agencies to provide the consumer with information pertaining to the entity that requested the consumer report.

NJ A06862

Requires that consumer reporting agencies contact consumers when a request is made for their consumer reports; requires consumer reporting agencies to provide the consumer with information pertaining to the entity that requested the consumer report.

NJ HB1301

Commerce and trade; clarify requirements for certain data reported by consumer reporting agencies

NJ S00464

Relates to prohibiting consumer reporting agencies from requiring or requesting a copy of a consumer's social security card when furnishing consumer reports or investigative consumer reports to third parties.

NJ S00892

Relates to prohibiting consumer reporting agencies from requiring or requesting a copy of a consumer's social security card when furnishing consumer reports or investigative consumer reports to third parties.

NJ HB1399

Consumer Protection - Consumer Reporting Agencies - Use of Algorithmic Systems

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Requires reporting agencies to report to Division of Consumer Affairs number of free consumer reports furnished to New Jersey resident consumers annually.

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