ASSEMBLY CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4171

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 11, 2025

      The Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4171.

      This bill requires a business entity that uses text-based chat to communicate with consumers to offer an option to obtain a transcription of the chat at the conclusion of the interaction.  The bill defines a business entity as a natural or legal person, business cooperation, professional services corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, business trust, association or any other legal commercial entity organized under the law of this State, another state or foreign jurisdiction. 

      Under the bill, the business entity is required to provide clear and conspicuous notice informing consumers of the option to obtain a transcript of the chat. 

      A violation of the bill’s provisions is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act, 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, violations may 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 party.