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Bill

A 4869

Establishes new offenses concerning unlawful possession and use of credit card scanners.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Greg McGuckin

New Jersey bill creates criminal offenses for unlawful possession or use of credit card scanners, with possession as a lesser offense and unlawful use as a more serious crime.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4869

Summary of New Jersey Bill A-4869 (Session 222)

Overview

  • Title: Establishes new offenses concerning unlawful possession and use of credit card scanners
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Introduced / Status: Introduced May 4, 2026; referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor not listed; co-sponsor: Greg McGuckin

Purpose and Intent

  • To deter criminal activity involving credit card scanners by creating specific offenses for unlawfully possessing or using such devices.
  • The bill defines what constitutes a credit card scanner and establishes penalties aligned with the unlawful possession and unlawful use of these devices.

Key Provisions

Definition

  • Credit card scanner: A device that reads, records, or transmits information stored on or embedded in a credit, debit, or other charge card, by electronic or other means.

Offenses and Penalties

  • Unlawful possession (without a lawful purpose):
    • Classified as a disorderly persons offense.
    • Penalty: Up to a $1,000 fine, up to 6 months’ imprisonment, or both.
  • Unlawful use (for an unlawful purpose):
    • Classified as a crime of the second degree.
    • Penalty: Up to a $150,000 fine, 5 to 10 years’ imprisonment, or both.

Effective Date

  • The act takes effect on the first day of the second month after enactment.

Who Is Affected

  • Individuals in possession of credit card scanners without a lawful purpose.
  • Individuals who use credit card scanners to facilitate unlawful activity (such as card data theft or fraud).
  • Potentially any person charged under these new offenses in New Jersey state courts.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Enactment Timeline: Effective date is set to the first day of the second month following enactment, giving a lead time before enforcement begins.
  • Legislative Process: As of the provided action history, the bill has been introduced and referred to the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee, indicating initial committee consideration.

Practical Implications

  • The bill creates explicit criminal liability for both possession and use of credit card scanners, addressing gaps where such devices may have previously been neutral or ambiguously regulated.
  • By establishing distinct penalties for possession vs. use, the bill signals a stepped approach to deterrence: possession alone (without lawful purpose) is a lower-tier offense; actual use for unlawful purposes is a more serious crime.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors would need to assess the intent and the activity (possession vs. use) to apply the appropriate offense.

If you want, I can add a comparison to existing NJ laws on fraud or credit card crimes, or outline potential policy considerations and implementation questions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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