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A 4636

Expands the definition of aggravated harassment in the second degree

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Sempolinski

Requires New Jersey retailers displaying gift cards to train staff on fraud and post conspicuous warnings, enforceable by a $1,000 civil penalty.

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Bill Summary · A 4636

Note: The document text for A-4636 concerns requirements for retail establishments that sell gift cards. The bill title shown at the top of the provided package (“Expands the definition of aggravated harassment in the second degree”) appears to be incorrect or mismatched with the bill text summarized below. This summary follows the bill text addressing gift card sale protections (amendment to P.L.2021, c.431).

A-4636 — Summary (gift-card consumer-protection amendments)

Purpose

Require retail stores that display gift cards for sale to (1) train employees to identify and respond to gift-card fraud and (2) post a conspicuous notice where gift cards are displayed warning consumers about gift-card fraud and instructing them what to do if fraud is suspected. The measure aims to raise consumer awareness and reduce losses from gift-card scams.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 1 of P.L.2021, c.431 (C.56:8-110.1).
  • Employee training: Every retail mercantile establishment that displays gift cards must train employees on how to identify and respond to gift-card fraud. Training must follow guidelines issued under section 2 (C.56:8-110.2) of P.L.2021, c.431.
  • Posted notice: Establishments must post a notice, in a conspicuous manner at or near where gift cards are displayed, that cautions consumers about gift-card fraud and instructs steps to take if fraud is suspected.
  • Definitions provided for “gift card,” “merchandise,” and “retail mercantile establishment” consistent with P.L.2021, c.431.

Penalties and enforcement

  • A violation of the section exposes the retail mercantile establishment to a civil penalty of $1,000.
  • The Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs may collect and enforce the penalty in a summary proceeding under the Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999 (P.L.1999, c.274).
  • The Superior Court has jurisdiction to enforce the penalty.
  • A violation under this section is explicitly not treated as an “unlawful practice” under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (P.L.1960, c.39).

Who is affected

  • All retail mercantile establishments in New Jersey that display gift cards for sale.
  • Store employees (training requirement).
  • Consumers who purchase or receive gift cards (benefit from warnings and guidance).
  • Division of Consumer Affairs (enforcement).

Effective date & legislative status

  • Effective: the first day of the seventh month following enactment (committee amendment adjusted timing from a simple “six months” to this specific phrasing).
  • Legislative actions (selected): Introduced 6/25/2024; reported with committee amendments 1/27/2025; passed Assembly 6/30/2025 (59-21-0); referred to Senate Commerce Committee 10/20/2025. Status entries also show the bill was held for consideration in Codes at points in 2025.

Sponsor and related measures

  • Primary sponsor: Assemblyman Joseph Sempolinski.
  • Related prior-session bills: A-8071, A-4728, A-5808, A-8405, A-2429.

This bill focuses on low-cost administrative requirements (training and signage) and a modest civil penalty to promote consumer protection against gift-card fraud in retail settings.

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

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