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Bill

A 5735

Relates to the make time for parenting act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michaelle Solages

Prohibits undisclosed mandatory gratuities in restaurants and requires prominent disclosure at four points (menu, entrance, bill, website).

REFERRED TO LABOR
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5735

Summary of Assembly Bill A 5735 (Relates to the make time for parenting act)

Note: The introduced version of A 5735 focuses on mandatory gratuities in restaurants and disclosure requirements, with enforcement under New Jersey’s consumer protection laws. The bill title may not align with the content currently included in the introduced version.

Overview

  • Bill number: A 5735
  • Title (introduced): Relates to the make time for parenting act
  • Purpose (as introduced): Prohibits charging a mandatory gratuity in a restaurant unless the charge is disclosed to patrons in a prominent manner at multiple points of contact.
  • Status: Referred to the Assembly Labor Committee (currently listed as REFERRED TO LABOR)
  • Sponsor: Michaelle C. Solages (primary)
  • Introduced: June 12, 2025
  • Related/Companion: S 4459 (companion)

What the bill would do

  • Create a clear prohibition on charging a mandatory gratuity without proper disclosure.
  • Require prominent disclosure of any mandatory gratuity at four specific points:
    • On the menu
    • At the entrance of the restaurant
    • On the patron’s bill
    • On the restaurant’s website (if applicable)
  • Treat violations as unlawful practices under New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act.

Key provisions and details

  • Disclosure requirements: If a restaurant imposes a mandatory gratuity, the disclosure must be prominent at all four locations listed above.
  • Enforcement: Violations are treated as unlawful practices under the Consumer Fraud Act.
  • Penalties: Monetary penalties of up to:
    • $10,000 for a first offense
    • $20,000 for any subsequent offenses
  • Remedies and costs:
    • Cease and desist orders may be issued by the Attorney General
    • Possibility of punitive damages
    • Possibility of treble damages (three times actual damages) and costs awarded to the injured party

Effective date

  • The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after enactment.

Affected parties

  • Restaurants and similar food-service establishments, which would be required to disclose any mandatory gratuity clearly.
  • Consumers/patrons, who would gain enhanced transparency and remedies for noncompliance.
  • State enforcement agencies, notably the Attorney General, responsible for enforcement and possible penalties.

Legislative context and actions

  • Legislative actions so far include introduction and committee referrals:
    • Introduced in the Assembly on June 12, 2025
    • Referred to Assembly Labor (and Consumer Affairs discussions appear in related actions)
  • Related bills:
    • S 4459 (companion)
    • Several prior-session A bills (A 2160, A 8022, A 3983, A 2318, A 5047, A 9362)

Potential impact

  • Transparency: Aims to eliminate hidden mandatory gratuities by mandating visible disclosures.
  • Consumer protection: Strengthens enforcement options under the Consumer Fraud Act, including substantial penalties and potential treble damages.
  • Business considerations: Restaurants may incur compliance costs to update menus, entrances, bills, and websites; possible changes to pricing strategies.

If you’d like, I can compare A 5735 to its companion S 4459 or provide a brief impact assessment from a business or consumer perspective.

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

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