SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE
STATEMENT TO
SENATE, No. 3145
with committee amendments
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
DATED: JANUARY 21, 2021
The Senate Commerce Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 3145.
As amended, this bill clarifies current State policy requiring an individual to list a legal name on an application when initially applying for or renewing, reactivating, or reinstating a professional or occupational license, certificate of registration, or certificate.
The bill requires applications for a professional and occupational license, certificate of registration, or certificate to include a line allowing an individual to list a professional name, a line for the individual to list a legal name, if different from the professional name, and the ability for the individual to choose which name is to appear on the license, certificate of registration, or certificate.
This bill allows individuals who practice a specific profession or occupation by one name to retain that name should the individual’s legal name change. Allowing an individual who has built a business under one name to continue using it even if the surname of the individual legally changes will prevent confusion among consumers who are clients of that individual. It will also allow the individual to forgo any additional costs required to obtain an updated license, certificate of registration, or certification, and to update any business website, advertising, or marketing.
The bill’s provisions would apply to individuals in professions or occupations regulated by the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety or a profession or occupation regulated by another State entity.
COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:
The committee amended the bill to add language so that the provisions of the bill apply to individuals licensed, registered, or certified by the Division of Consumer Affairs or another State entity that licenses or otherwise regulates a profession or occupation.