Proposed N.J. law requires rebates at the register

If you shop in New Jersey, you might soon be able to get a rebate right at the cash register when making a purchase.

If you shop in New Jersey, you might soon be able to get a rebate right at the cash register when making a purchase.

New Jersey lawmakers are considering a measure that would require retailers who advertise a price that includes a rebate to give that rebate at the time of sale.

Assembly consumer affairs committee Chairman Paul Moriarty says an estimated $500 million a year in rebates never get to consumers.

“I know currently I’m waiting six months for a rebate on a cell phone and I’ve made seven phone calls and haven’t gotten it,” says Moriarty. “So we think this is a fairness issue. We think that, if people are offering rebates, they ought to be upfront and give it to you right there at the point of sale.”

The measure won approval in the Assembly in the previous legislative session, but it didn’t make it through the state Senate.

Rhode Island and Connecticut already have similar laws.