On Thursday September 11, 2008, representatives from New Jersey Jeweler’s Association met with Assemblyman David P. Rible (R-Wall, NJ) in his office to discuss the pending bill relating to the purchasing of second hand jewelry.During our discussion we became increasingly aware that is was unrealistic to expect that the bill would be pulled completely.As such, our mission was to ensure that the legislation would be fair and more palatable to those who it is primarily focused on, retail jewelers doing business in NJ.
During our constructive meeting, Assemblyman Rible was receptive to our industry’s concerns, which focused on feedback NJJA received from jewelers throughout the state of NJ.In response to our outreach, on September 22, NJJA was notified via phone by Assemblyman Rible’s office. It was expressed that our voice indeed was heard and as a result some notable revisions will be made.It is our understanding it will be presented for a vote on October 27.
As an organization, we worked on this industry issue tirelessly.We would like to thank all of you who provided the necessary feedback, contacts, time and support which was needed for us to make a difference.You are greatly appreciated; we couldn’t have done this without you.
We understand the pending revisions relate to the following:
A.Who does it affect? -With a couple of exceptions, the law will apply to all purchasers of second hand jewelry in NJ, including flea markets that were previously exempt.Unfortunately, internet and pawn brokers will remain exempt; however we have been advised that pawnbroker laws will be updated in a future legislation as will licensing for buyers.
B.Record Keeping - Records will be required to be maintained for a period of five years as opposed to the current provision requiring maintaining records permanently.This is based on the statute of limitations for robbery.
C.Type of Records - Record Keeping requirements will allow for a photograph OR detailed description of the item.The previous provision required both.
D.Holding Period - Holding period will be 3 days from the point records are provided to local law enforcement by the purchaser.The current language requires a holding period provision of fourteen days.
E.All sellers will be required to present a state issued or government I.D.
F.When does enforcement take effect?Enforcement of the law will take effect 90 days after it is finalized.We believe this is a reasonable period of time for the industry to be informed and to become compliant. The current language states that the law would take effect immediately.
The bill allows for a more uniform system since not all municipalities presently regulate.Please note however, municipalities which require stricter requirements such as longer holding periods or additional record keeping guidelines will take precedence over this legislation.
Debra Berman, President, N.J.J.A.
Lisa Cohen, Vice President - Committee Chair, N.J.J.A
