Bill > A08857

This bill enacts the Civil Justice Protection Act (CJPA), which aims to protect consumers by prohibiting certain restrictive contract provisions when purchasing personal goods or services in New York. Specifically, the bill prevents businesses from including contract clauses that would: force consumers to resolve disputes in out-of-state or foreign courts or under foreign laws; release businesses from liability; waive jury trial rights; limit participation in class actions; restrict discovery processes; shorten statutes of limitations; or limit potential damages. The law applies to personal goods and services like medical care, assisted living, and household purchases, but excludes business-related transactions. Businesses that violate these provisions would face civil penalties of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent violations, and the Attorney General can seek injunctions to stop repeated violations. The bill emphasizes consumer protection by rendering any contract provisions that violate these rules automatically null and void, and it includes a severability clause to ensure that if one part of the law is found invalid, the rest 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/A8857