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Bill > A1584


NJ A1584

NJ A1584
Allows termination of motor vehicle lease in event of death; prohibits imposition of fee for early termination.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill allows a motor vehicle lease to be terminated upon the death of the lessee and the return of the vehicle to the dealer or lessor. The bill prohibits a dealer or lessor from imposing or assessing any fee for the early termination of a vehicle lease in the event of a lessee's death. However, the dealer or lessor would be permitted to assess a reasonable fee for a vehicle returned with excess wear, use, or mileage, if specified in the lease agreement. The bill also prohibits a lease from requiring, in the event of a lessee's death, that the decedent's surviving spouse, family member, guardian, or estate administrator or executor: 1) purchase the leased vehicle; 2) buy out the remainder of the lease; or 3) continue to lease the vehicle under the original terms of the lease. A surviving spouse, family member, guardian, or estate administrator or executor would need to provide a death certificate, or other satisfactory proof of the lessee's death, to the dealer or lessor within 60 days after the death of the decedent. The bill provides that it is not to be construed as applying to a surviving co-lessee who executed the motor vehicle lease agreement with the lessee. Further, the bill requires that dealers and lessors provide information about early termination in the event of death in the lease contract or financing agreement. A dealer or lessor in violation of this requirement would be subject to a $500 penalty.

AI Summary

This bill allows a motor vehicle lease to be terminated upon the death of the lessee, without the imposition of any early termination fees. It prohibits dealers or lessors from requiring the lessee's surviving spouse, family member, guardian, or estate administrator/executor to purchase the vehicle, buy out the remaining lease, or continue leasing the vehicle under the original terms. The lessee's representative must provide a death certificate or other proof of death to the dealer or lessor within 60 days to terminate the lease. The bill also requires dealers and lessors to disclose this early termination option in the lease contract, with a $500 penalty for non-compliance. The provisions do not apply to commercial vehicles or surviving co-lessees.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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