ASSEMBLY CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND REGULATED PROFESSIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 684

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: FEBRUARY 5, 1996

      The Consumer Affairs and Regulated Professions Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 684.

      This legislation would require tow truck operators who respond to a call or otherwise stop for a stranded motorist to (1) provide assistance regardless of whether the motorist can immediately pay in cash and (2) accept either cash or a valid, major credit or charge card if he ordinarily accepts such cards at his place of business. Operators will not be required to accept a card if a review of additional identification suggests a bona fide reason to believe that it is not valid for the motorist in question.

      A violation of these requirements would result in a fine of $500 for the first offense and up to $1,000 for any subsequent offense.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 1996 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which has been performed.