Bill Text: NJ A5591 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Prohibits person from using altered photographs in advertising of real estate under certain circumstances.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-06-13 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee [A5591 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-A5591-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman PEDRO MEJIA
District 32 (Bergen and Hudson)
Assemblywoman ANGELICA M. JIMENEZ
District 32 (Bergen and Hudson)
Assemblywoman VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLE
District 37 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Prohibits person from using altered photographs in advertising of real estate under certain circumstances.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning the advertisement of real estate and supplementing P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.).
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. A person shall not use photographs in the advertising, marketing, or representation of real estate, including a real estate listing, that have been altered in a manner that misrepresents the physical features or condition of the property.
b. A violation of this section shall be an unlawful practice pursuant to P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.).
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill prohibits a person from using altered photographs in the advertising, marketing, or other representation of real estate under certain circumstances.
Under the provisions of this bill, a person is prohibited from using photographs in the advertising, marketing, or representation of real estate, including a real estate listing, that have been altered in a manner that misrepresents the physical features or condition of the property.
It has been reported that photographs which have been digitally altered to remove walls, remove outdated paneling, or add a swimming pool have been used in real estate listings.
A violation of the bill's provisions is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act. An unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, violations may result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party.
