New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2769

Introduced
2/15/24  

Caption

Provides consumer protections under certain telecommunications service provider contracts.

Impact

The enactment of SB 2769 would bring significant modifications to state law governing telecommunications contracts. Notably, it would reinforce the rights of subscribers, ensuring they are not penalized financially for conditions outside their control. The bill mandates service providers to maintain records of reported outages, which strengthens accountability and transparency in service provision. By fostering these protections, the bill strives to create a more equitable relationship between telecommunications providers and subscribers, ultimately leading to improved customer satisfaction.

Summary

Senate Bill 2769, introduced in New Jersey, aims to enhance consumer protections within telecommunications service provider contracts. This legislation stipulates specific requirements that service providers must adhere to if their subscribers experience service outages. If a subscriber reports an outage that occurs more than three times within a 30-day period, the provider is mandated to not impose any early termination fees should the subscriber choose to cancel their service. Additionally, it is required that providers refund any fees associated with establishing service, as well as any cancellation fees related to previous service providers.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits of SB 2769, discussions surrounding the bill may surface points of contention. Providers may argue that strict regulations concerning fees and service outages could impose additional burdens on their operational processes, potentially impacting pricing structures or service availability. Conversely, consumer advocates stress the necessity of such protections, citing instances of inadequate service response and unfair consumer penalties. The balance between maintaining service provider viability while enhancing consumer protections may be a central theme in the discourse surrounding this bill.

Companion Bills

NJ A1782

Carry Over Provides consumer protections under certain telecommunications service provider contracts.

NJ S1227

Carry Over Provides consumer protections under certain telecommunications service provider contracts.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3829

Provides consumer protections under certain telecommunications service provider contracts.

NJ S507

Requires telecommunications companies to provide prorated refunds for service outages of longer than 24 hours.

NJ S3538

Provides super conciliation for certain emergency responder service employees, and requires continuation of contract provisions during negotiations.

NJ HB1730

Providing for service contracts for residential telecommunications, cable and Internet services.

NJ S3572

Permits consumers aged 65 and over up to five business days to cancel home improvement contracts.

NJ A2118

Prohibits self-service storage facilities from charging certain punitive fees to consumers paying with vouchers under certain circumstances.

NJ S852

Expands EDA small business loan program to include certain broadband telecommunications service providers.

NJ A1459

Expands EDA small business loan program to include certain broadband telecommunications service providers.

NJ A1061

Provides for permit of pool and spa service business as general contractor for pool and spa building and installation and pool and spa service contracting.

NJ SB395

Requirement for certain telecommunications providers to provide basic voice service.

Similar Bills

NJ S3829

Provides consumer protections under certain telecommunications service provider contracts.

CA SB142

Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program.

CA AB142

An act relating to the Budget Act of 2025.

CA AB2680

Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program: certification.

CA AB2424

Public Utilities Commission: communications: low-income customers.

WV HB2502

Establishing limitations on billing practices of Internet or telecommunications providers that fail to provide subscribed customers service for five or more days

CA SB716

An act to add and repeal Section Sections 873.

MS HB1307

Anti-Spoofing; bring forward sections that regulate.