Bill > S08137

This bill enacts the Civil Justice Protection Act (CJPA), which aims to protect consumers by prohibiting certain restrictive clauses in contracts for personal goods and services in New York. The bill defines "personal goods or services" as items or services intended for personal, family, or household use, and establishes a series of restrictions on contract provisions. These restrictions prevent businesses from requiring consumers to: adjudicate disputes outside of New York, use non-New York laws, release businesses from liability, waive jury trial rights, limit class action participation, restrict discovery processes, shorten statutes of limitations, or limit potential damages. Any contract containing such prohibited provisions would be considered null and void. Businesses found in violation would face civil penalties of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses, and the New York Attorney General can seek injunctions to prevent ongoing violations. The bill explicitly does not apply to post-dispute settlement agreements and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the law is found invalid, the remaining provisions can still be enforced. The act will take effect immediately but only apply to contracts entered into after its effective date.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8137