WeVote
Log In

Bill

RB

Bill

A 1982

Requires business using text-based chat to offer transcription of chat to consumer.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Rosy Bagolie and 2 co-sponsors

Businesses using chat must offer a transcript option at chat end, with upfront notice; noncompliance can incur CFA penalties.

Reported out of Asm. Comm. with Amendments, and Referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1982

Overview

This New Jersey bill requires business entities that use text-based chat to communicate with consumers to offer an option to obtain a transcript of the chat at the conclusion of the interaction. It adds consumer-facing transparency to chat-based support and establishes penalties for noncompliance under the state’s consumer protection framework.

Purpose and intent

  • Ensure consumers have a verifiable record of chat discussions with businesses.
  • Promotes transparency in real-time text-based customer support.
  • Provide a clear mechanism for consumers to obtain, if desired, a verbatim transcript of their chat interactions.

Key provisions

  • Definitions:
    • “Business entity”: broad definition that includes individuals, corporations, LLCs, partnerships, trusts, associations, or other legal commercial entities operating under New Jersey law or other jurisdictions.
    • “Chat”: any real-time, text-based communication tool used to interact with a consumer.
    • “Transcript”: a typed or printed verbatim record of a chat.
  • Requirement:
    • A business that uses chat to communicate with a consumer must offer an option to receive a transcript of the chat at the conclusion of the interaction.
    • The business must provide clear and conspicuous notice at the outset of the interaction informing the consumer of the option to obtain a transcript.
  • Enforcement:
    • Violations constitute an unlawful practice under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA).
    • Penalties include monetary fines: up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $20,000 for each subsequent offense.
    • Additional remedies may include cease-and-desist orders from the Attorney General, punitive damages, and the possibility of treble damages and costs to the injured party.

Who/what is affected

  • Any business entity conducting real-time text-based chat with consumers in New Jersey, including various forms of business structures (corporations, LLCs, partnerships, etc.).
  • Consumers engaging in chat-based support with such businesses would benefit from the transcript option.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act states it takes effect immediately upon enactment.
  • Legislative path: Introduced in January 2026; reported out of Assembly committee with amendments in June 2026; referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

Potential impact

  • Compliance burden on businesses that use chat-based customer support, requiring UI/UX adjustments to present the transcript opt-in clearly at chat start and to provide transcripts at chat end.
  • Strengthened consumer rights under the CFA with potential for penalties and damages for noncompliance.
  • Possible operational considerations for transcript delivery format (electronic vs. printed) and retention policies, though specifics are not detailed in the bill text.

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

Sign in to ask a question.