New Jersey Governor Targets Hidden 'Junk Fees' with Executive Order

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed an executive order aimed at eliminating "junk fees." These hidden charges inflate the final price of products and services, impacting the purchasing power of millions of families. Sherrill stated that consumers deserve transparency and costs free from hidden fees, which exacerbate the affordability crisis and undermine trust in advertised prices. The governor emphasized the commitment to ensuring consumers can make informed decisions and pay the promised price. The executive order, No. 19, directs relevant agencies to identify junk fees and assess their impact on the public. The order mandates that by September 14, departments and agencies must evaluate prevalent junk fees, propose regulations to reduce or eliminate abusive commissions, and suggest measures to ensure "all-in pricing" and transparent fee disclosure become the norm. The "all-in pricing" concept aims to ensure the displayed consumer price reflects the final cost, preventing surprises during purchases. Sherrill highlighted that New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act is designed to protect residents from deception and manipulation. This initiative follows previous actions, including a guide issued in May warning hotels and tourist accommodations about hidden charges, and a March lawsuit against OneMain Financial, Inc. for alleged predatory lending practices. The governor's office is working to make New Jersey more affordable by tackling these deceptive fees.