Summary of Bill S 1060

Title: Limits certain charging practices by companies that provide prepaid telephone calling cards and increases fines for violations of limitation requirements

Bill Number: S 1060

Introduced On: January 08, 2025

Current Status: Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions

Legislative Actions:
- 2025-06-06: Passed Senate
- 2025-06-06: Delivered to Assembly
- 2025-06-06: Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
- 2025-05-21: Advanced to Third Reading
- 2025-05-20: 2nd Report Calendar
- 2025-05-19: 1st Report Calendar 1136
- 2025-01-08: Referred to Environmental Conservation (changed to Energy and Telecommunications)

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 1060 is to regulate the charging practices of companies that provide prepaid telephone calling cards. The bill aims to protect consumers from unfair pricing practices and ensure transparency in the costs associated with using these services. By limiting certain charging practices, the bill seeks to enhance consumer protection and promote fair competition in the telecommunications market.

Key Provisions

• Limitation on Charges: The bill establishes specific limitations on the fees that can be charged by prepaid calling card companies. This includes restrictions on hidden fees and surcharges that may not be clearly disclosed to consumers.

• Increased Fines for Violations: The legislation proposes to increase the fines imposed on companies that violate these limitations. This aims to deter non-compliance and encourage companies to adhere to fair pricing practices.

• Consumer Transparency: The bill mandates that companies provide clear and accessible information regarding the costs associated with their prepaid calling cards, ensuring that consumers are fully informed before making a purchase.

Who Would Be Affected

• Consumers: Individuals who purchase prepaid telephone calling cards will benefit from enhanced protections against unfair charges and increased transparency regarding pricing.

• Prepaid Calling Card Companies: Companies that provide these services will need to adjust their pricing structures and practices to comply with the new limitations and face increased penalties for violations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• The bill was introduced on January 08, 2025, and has since progressed through various legislative stages, including passing the Senate on June 6, 2025.

• Following its passage in the Senate, the bill was delivered to the Assembly and referred to the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions committee for further consideration.

Related Bills

This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- S 1176
- S 3729
- S 3451
- S 2063
- S 1365
- S 723

These related bills may provide context or background on previous legislative efforts to regulate the telecommunications industry and consumer protection measures.

This summary provides an overview of Bill S 1060, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on consumers and companies in the prepaid calling card market.