ASSEMBLY CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1959

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 12, 2026

      The Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 1959.

      As amended and reported by the committee, this bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to prohibit a telecommunications company, electric public utility, gas public utility or cable television company from charging a credit card customer or direct debit customer for service prior to the actual billing due date that would apply if the customer were to pay by cash, money order or personal check, unless: 1) the customer agrees to be charged for service on an earlier date; or 2) the customer makes the request to the company or utility by telephone or by other means approved by the BPU.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amended the bill to eliminate the requirement that a customer’s agreement to be charged for service on an earlier date be in writing.