Legislative Alert: Paid Sick Leave & Equal Pay Bills Being Heard on Monday
The New Jersey Civil Justice Institute will be testifying against three bills on Monday.
Taming the Leviathan
New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act has been expanded over the years by the courts and the legislature to the point where it is no longer focused on protecting consumers from fraud. Instead, it is becoming a catch-all law that is invoked even in situations where there are no consumers or fraud to be found. This is not ideal since the CFA encourages litigation in many disputes that could resolved more efficiently by other means.
Committee Advances Patent Reform Bill
On Monday, February 22, the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee voted unanimously to advance A310, which would create a state court cause of action against persons who pursued a patent claim in bad faith. NJCJI testified against this legislation because it more likely this bill would increase frivolous litigation than solve the so-called “patent troll” problem.
Top News Clips for the Week of February 13-19
A selection of the need-to-know civil justice news for the week of February 13-19.
NJCJI Opposes State-Level Patent Reform
On Monday, February 22, the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee is holding a hearing on A310, which would create a state court cause of action against persons who pursued a patent claim in bad faith. NJCJI is preparing to testify in opposition to this legislation.
Consumer Fraud Reform Gains Momentum
Last week we announced that a bill had been introduced in the New Jersey Assembly that would make important changes to our state’s oft-abused Consumer Fraud Act. This week we are happy to announce that a companion bill, S1669, has been introduced by Senators Oroho (R-Sparta) and Van Drew (D-Cape May Court House).
Senate Backs Liability-Laden Wage Gap Legislation 28 to 4
S992 has been described as a measure that would strengthen protections against employment discrimination and promote equal pay for women by codifying existing federal law. The myth that this bill is not that big of a change from current practices, but that it will make a big difference, is probably why it passed the New Jersey Senate by a vote of 28-4 on February 11.
Bill Introduced to Overhaul New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act
Have you ever clicked “shrink to fit” or “shrink one page” in order to save paper by printing out a document that is just over one page on a single sheet? If so, you may be in violation of New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, which has very specific rules about appropriate font size. If someone successfully sues you over your green printing habits, you will owe them 3 times what they are claiming as damages, and you will have to pay their attorneys’ fees (as well as your own). Seems a bit excessive doesn’t it?
Senate Voting on Wage Discrimination & Paid Sick Leave Bills
On Thursday, the full Senate is taking a vote on two bills the NJCJI is opposing because they open New Jersey businesses up to excessive liability.
NJCJI Testifies Against Three New Bills
The New Jersey Civil Justice Institute had a busy day in the State House this Thursday. Marcus Rayner, NJCJI’s president, and Alida Kass, NJCJI’s chief counsel, testified against three pieces of legislation, all of which would negatively impact New Jersey’s legal climate and put New Jersey businesses at greater risk of being sued.