N.J. moves to protect consumers

A measure to protect New Jersey residents when they sign contracts was approved Thursday by an Assembly committee.The bill would invalidate any contract that requires consumers to waive their right to file a fraud complaint.Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, the primary sponsor of the legislation, said many people who end up with contracts that do not live up to the terms they negotiated are not aware of the fine print giving up their right to sue.”We have to protect our consumers first and foremost. I mean money is tight. Bad economy,” said DeAngelo. “We have to ensure that what the person is purchasing that they have that right to protect themselves.”DeAngelo said he’s not getting opposition to the measure because most companies don’t mislead consumers. But he said residents need protection from the unscrupulous ones.The legislation was unanimously approved by the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee. It’s still awaiting action in the Senate.