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Bill > S3570


NJ S3570

NJ S3570
Prohibits health club services contracts from limiting liability for injuries caused by negligence of health club.


summary

Introduced
03/07/2019
In Committee
03/07/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/08/2020

Introduced Session

2018-2019 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill prohibits health club services contracts from limiting the liability of the health club to a buyer for injuries caused by or resulting from the negligence of the owner or operator, or an agent or employee of the owner or operator, of the health club. This bill is intended to codify Justice Albin's dissent in the case of Pulice v. Green Brook Sports & Fitness, 236 N.J. 1 (2018); see also Stelluti v. Casapenn, 203 N.J. 286 (2010) (Albin, J., dissenting) (arguing that a contract limiting a health club's liability from its own negligence is void as against public policy). A violation of this bill would be an unlawful practice pursuant to the consumer fraud act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), and is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, violations can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits health club services contracts from limiting the liability of the health club for injuries caused by the negligence of the owner, operator, agent, or employee of the health club. It is intended to codify a dissenting opinion from the New Jersey Supreme Court that found such liability limitation clauses to be against public policy. Violations of this bill would be considered an unlawful practice under the state's consumer fraud act, subject to monetary penalties, cease and desist orders, and the potential for treble damages and costs to be awarded to injured parties.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 03/07/2019)

bill text


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