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New JerseyS3132220th Legislature (2024-2025)SenateWALLET

Imposes certain requirements on secondhand dealers of cellular telephones and wireless communication devices.

Sponsored By: Atkins, Reginald W., M. Teresa Ruiz (Democratic), William B. Sampson IV (Democratic), Shanique Speight (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Stricter checks for used phone sellers

Beginning October 20, 2025, New Jersey secondhand dealers must document transactions involving used cellphones and wireless communication devices. Covered transactions include purchases, sales, trades, consignments, and other transfers for value. Dealers must record each device’s description and identifier, such as an MEID, IMEI, or ESN. Missing identifiers must be added as soon as commercially practicable. Receipts must show the purchase amount and include a signed seller statement confirming lawful age, accurate identification details, and ownership with authority to sell. Sellers cannot provide false or fraudulent information. Dealers must obtain two forms of identification, including government-issued photo identification. Without that photo identification, dealers must take a clear color face photo and record the seller’s name, home address, birth date, gender, height, and weight. That photo serves as the required photo identification. Automated kiosks are covered, but kiosks requiring government-issued identification are exempt from the identification rules. Mobile service providers, their authorized agents and retailers selling authorized products or services, and licensed portable electronics insurers and affiliates are excluded.

Used phone violations bring transaction fines

Beginning October 20, 2025, violations of New Jersey’s secondhand-device rules carry civil penalties. The maximum is $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or later offense. Each violating transaction counts as a separate offense. The Division of Consumer Affairs director can impose penalties and collect them through a streamlined court proceeding. The director can also issue emergency or permanent rules to implement the law. These violations do not count as unlawful practices under New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act.

Phone seller data gets privacy limits

Beginning October 20, 2025, covered New Jersey dealers must keep device transaction records for one year after purchase. State, county, and local police can inspect them during business hours. Dealers must also provide records when requested by the state Division of Consumer Affairs director. Dealers cannot sell or share a seller’s information without written consent, while the law separately requires access for enforcement. Dealers must keep the information secure under rules set by the director.

Dealers face limits on used phones

Beginning October 20, 2025, covered New Jersey dealers cannot sell devices they knowingly acquired through false or fraudulent information. Dealers also cannot remove, change, or erase identifying marks. Protected marks include the manufacturer’s make, model, serial number, personal identification number, and engraved or etched identifying marks. Dealers cannot buy devices with those marks removed, changed, or erased. These rules preserve device traceability and protect the resale market, but limit which devices dealers can buy or sell.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Atkins, Reginald W.

    Affiliation unavailable

  • M. Teresa Ruiz

    Democratic • Senate

  • William B. Sampson IV

    Democratic • House

  • Shanique Speight

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Mitchelle Drulis

    Democratic • House

  • Roy Freiman

    Democratic • House

  • Hall, Garnet R.

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Tennille R. McCoy

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 155 • No: 0

House vote • 6/30/2025

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 79 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/30/2025

CONCUR ASMB AMEND

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/30/2025

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor — P.L.2025, c.154.

    10/20/2025Governor

  2. Passed Senate, PBH — (39-0)

    6/30/2025Senate

  3. Received in Senate, 2RSC

    6/30/2025Senate

  4. Passed Assembly — (79-0-0)

    6/30/2025House

  5. Substituted for A4334 (2R)

    6/30/2025House

  6. AA, 2nd Reading in Assembly — (Quijano)

    5/22/2025House

  7. Reported, 2nd Reading in Assembly

    5/15/2025House

  8. Received in Assembly, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee

    1/30/2025House

  9. Passed Senate — (37-0)

    1/30/2025Senate

  10. SA, 2nd Reading in Senate — (Voice) (Ruiz)

    12/19/2024Senate

  11. SA, 2nd Reading in Senate — (Voice) (Ruiz)

    10/28/2024Senate

  12. REP/SCA, 2nd Reading in Senate

    10/10/2024Senate

  13. Introduced, 1st Reading in Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee

    4/15/2024Senate

Bill Text

  • Version PL2025

    1/14/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Version AL2025

    12/2/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly 5/22/25 4R

    7/1/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly 5/22/25 3R

    5/23/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Consumer Affairs Substitute (5/15/25 3R)

    5/16/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate 12/19/24 2R

    12/20/2024

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate 12/19/24 3R

    12/20/2024

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate 10/28/24 1R

    10/29/2024

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate 10/28/24 2R

    10/29/2024

    HTMLPDF

  • As Introduced

    10/11/2024

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Commerce (10/10/24 1R)

    10/11/2024

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Commerce Substitute (10/10/24)

    10/11/2024

    HTMLPDF

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