ASSEMBLY CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2418

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 11, 2025

      The Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2418.

      This bill requires businesses to disclose the usual and customary price for merchandise that is advertised as part of a “Buy One, Get One Free” or similar offer.  Current law does not require that a business disclose the usual and customary price of merchandise advertised as part of a bargain offer.  This bill is meant to discourage businesses from artificially inflating the sale price of merchandise offered as part of a “Buy One, Get One Free” or similar sale.

      A violation of the bill’s provisions is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.).  An unlawful practice is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense.  In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, this bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.