§1 - C.36:2-271
A Joint Resolution designating the first week of March as “Consumer Protection Week” in New Jersey.
Whereas, Consumers are the driving force of the economy in New Jersey and the United States, and consumer protection is of vital importance to the overall prosperity of the nation and State; and
Whereas, Too often, consumers are the target of unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices and theft, which threaten the economic well-being of individuals and families who spend their lives striving to build a sense of security; and
Whereas, Strengthening consumer rights and building a more transparent, efficient, and effective marketplace benefits consumers and industry alike; and
Whereas, By virtue of Presidential Proclamation, commencing with President Clinton’s Proclamation 7164 of 1999 and continuing under President G. W. Bush and President Obama, “National Consumer Protection Week” is recognized annually in order to reaffirm a commitment to protecting consumer rights; and
Whereas, Each year the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Federal Trade Commission partners with federal, state, and local entities and non-profit organizations to celebrate “National Consumer Protection Week,” a coordinated campaign that educates consumers, connects them with helpful resources, and encourages them to take full advantage of their rights and make better-informed decisions; and
Whereas, In New Jersey, the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety is charged with protecting the public from fraud, deceit, and misrepresentation in the sale of goods and services; and
Whereas, To this end, the responsibilities of the division include providing consumers with relevant and accurate information regarding the safety of products and services, as well as assuring consumers that the products and services are safe, that the businesses offering them are not fraudulent, and that business practices conform to law and regulation; and
Whereas, Consumer complaints regarding fraudulent business practices, identity theft, and imposter scams have continued to increase, highlighting the need to protect the majority of American consumers from the dishonest actions of the unscrupulous few; and
Whereas, Annually observing Consumer Protection Week in the State will help support and further the mission of the Division of Consumer Affairs and educate and inform consumers Statewide; and
Whereas, It is in the public interest for the State to educate citizens about the importance of consumer rights and protections as well as provide them with clear information about their rights as consumers and the resources available, and it is fitting and proper to designate and annually recognize the first week of March as “Consumer Protection Week” in New Jersey, in conjunction with “National Consumer Protection Week”; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. The first week of March of each year is designated as “Consumer Protection Week” in New Jersey, in conjunction with “National Consumer Protection Week,” in order to educate citizens and increase public awareness of consumer rights and protections.
b. The Governor is respectfully requested to issue a proclamation annually designating the first week of March of each year as “Consumer Protection Week” in New Jersey and calling upon the Division of Consumer Affairs, consumer advocates, and consumers in this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
2. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
Designates first week of March as “Consumer Protection Week” in NJ.