Legislation Would Limit Junk Mail Sent to Registered Residents
Assemblyman Sgt. Bob Andrzejczak has introduced legislation to limit the number of unwanted solicitations New Jersey residents may receive in the mail.
The bill (A-3899) would establish a New Jersey “Do Not Mail” list to prohibit certain commercial solicitations from being sent to residents of the state.
“While the mail is still a vital mode of delivering communications in some cases, the advent of electronic communication has made paperless connections much easier. For many New Jersey residents who prefer to pay their bills, engage with friends and family and shop online, this means that most of what comes in the mail is junk,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “Considering how busy our residents are working and caring for their families, giving them the option to have a little less clutter to sort through can go a long way.”
Under the bill, which mirrors the state’s “Do Not Call” law, residents who do not wish to receive mail communication encouraging the purchase or rental of, or investment in, property, goods or services may register for the list.
The legislation allows exceptions for certain senders, including: (1) senders who have the resident’s express invitation or permission; (2) senders with whom the resident has had a business contact within the previous six months or with whom the resident has a current business or personal relationship; (3) authorized charitable organizations; (4) entities over which a federal agency has regulatory authority that are required by law to maintain a “no mail” list; and (5) senders responding to a referral or attempting to set up an appointment.
“Oftentimes individuals end up on mailing lists without ever having agreed to receive anything from the sender, and they don’t know where to turn,” said Andrzejczak. “This legislation will be a one-stop resource to put an end to junk mail, regardless of whether the recipient feels it’s completely overwhelming or merely a nuisance.”
A violation of the bill’s provisions would be considered an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud Act, subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 for a first offense and a maximum fine of $20,000 for the second and each subsequent offense.