The Senate Commerce Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz that would impose requirements on secondhand dealers of cellphones and wireless communication devices.
“The high resale value of smartphones makes them a prime target for theft, and in some instances, we’ve seen children in our communities attacked and injured during these robberies,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “Requiring secondhand dealers to have a protocol that keeps a detailed record for cellphone resales will assist law enforcement in tracking stolen devices and deter people from stealing and selling these devices. This will help protect our families’ safety and property.”
Recently, certain municipalities in New Jersey have reported spikes in cell phone theft. In November 2023, an 11-year-old Newark boy was attacked by four teenagers who stole his phone. In June 2024, Hoboken police warned residents of cellphone pickpocketing, having received over two dozen reports in the previous six months. The Newark City Council has approved an ordinance requiring secondhand dealers to maintain records for every cell phone they obtain.
Under the bill, S-3132, a secondhand dealer would be required to document the description of each cellphone. It would include the Mobile Equipment Identifier, International Mobile Station Equipment Identity, or the device’s Electronic Serial Number.
The secondhand dealer would be required to include the following information from the individual selling the phone:
1. A description of each cellphone, including the purchase amount and a statement that the seller is of lawful age
2. A statement that the seller’s driver’s license number or other government-issued ID is accurate
3. A statement that the seller is the lawful owner with absolute authority to sell the device
The bill mandates that all secondhand dealers require two forms of identification from anyone attempting to sell a device, at least one of which must be a government-issued photo ID. If a seller cannot provide a photo ID, the dealer must take a color photograph of the seller and record essential details on the back, including the seller’s name, address, date of birth, gender, height, and weight.
It would be unlawful for individuals selling these devices to submit false or fraudulent information to secondhand dealers. Additionally, secondhand dealers will be prohibited from selling devices knowingly acquired through such misinformation. Violators would be liable to a civil penalty of $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense.
The bill advanced out of committee in a 5-0 vote.