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S 4825

Relates to the age limitation for judges

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Hoylman-Sigal

Strengthens consumer protections for health-club buyers: requires written contracts, caps total obligation at 3 years, and offers a 3-day cooling-off with full refunds.

COMMITTED TO RULES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4825

Summary — S-4825 (Introduced Version)

Note: The bill file lists the short title “Relates to the age limitation for judges,” but the text of the introduced version amends New Jersey’s health-club services contract law (P.L.1987, c.238; C.56:8‑42). This summary describes the substantive provisions contained in the introduced text.

Purpose

To strengthen consumer protections for purchasers of health‑club services by specifying required contract terms, limiting contract length, clarifying cancellation rights (including online and telephone options), and setting rules for refunds, assignment on ownership change, and relief when a facility closes or the buyer’s circumstances change.

Key provisions

  • Contracts must be in writing and a copy provided to the buyer at signing.
  • The buyer’s total payment obligation must appear conspicuously on the first page.
  • If a facility maintains a bond, letter of credit, securities, or other security under existing law, the contract must state that such security is filed with the Director, Division of Consumer Affairs, to protect buyers from breach or bankruptcy.
  • Maximum buyer obligation limited to three years from contract signing.
  • Three‑day cancellation (“cooling off”) right for new or increased services: buyer may cancel for any reason before midnight of the third operating day after receiving a copy; cancellation methods include telephone, specified online methods (for online contracts), mail (regular/registered/certified, return receipt), or personal delivery. Full refund of money paid within 30 days; negotiable credit instruments returned within 30 days.
  • Mandatory conspicuous cancellation notice (10‑point boldface type) with prescribed text and definition of “operating day.”
  • Cancellation rights on buyer’s death or permanent disability (physician confirmation required); club may retain for services used plus up to 10% reimbursement of total price.
  • Cancellation for change of permanent residence more than 25 miles from club (or affiliated club) with proof; prorated refund and up to 10% reimbursement allowed.
  • If facility closed more than 30 days through no fault of buyer, buyer may extend contract by closure period or receive prorated refund.
  • Contracts cannot obligate buyer to renew automatically without clear opt‑out. Buyers who contracted online must be given a prominent direct link/button to terminate automatic renewal.
  • If facility is not open by the date specified in the contract, buyer may cancel and receive full refund.
  • On ownership change, facility must notify buyers of transfer date and obtain written (including electronic) consent to assign contracts; if new owner fails to obtain consent within 30 days, the contract is deemed canceled unless buyer consents.
  • The bill includes definitions (e.g., “automatic renewal,” “clear and conspicuous” — text truncated in provided version).

Who is affected

  • Consumers/buyers of health‑club memberships in New Jersey (increased protections and clearer remedies).
  • Health‑club operators and sellers (must revise contracts, websites, notification procedures, and refund processes; comply with bond/security disclosure and assignment rules).
  • Division of Consumer Affairs (reference as repository of security; enforcement role).

Procedural status & sponsors

  • Sponsor: Sen. Brad Hoylman‑Sigal (primary).
  • Legislative actions listed: Introduced 11/06/2025; referred to Senate Commerce Committee; multiple prior entries show referral to Judiciary, advancement to third reading, and “COMMITTED TO RULES” (dates in 2025 appear duplicated and inconsistent in the record provided). Companion bill: A-2663 (and related prior‑session bills A6917, A3238, A50).

If you want, I can: (1) extract the exact model cancellation notice text into a standalone exhibit; (2) produce a redline showing changes to current statute language; or (3) check current bill status on the Legislature’s website and reconcile the dates/titles.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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