Bill
Bill > A5506
summary
Introduced
09/17/2026
09/17/2026
In Committee
09/17/2026
09/17/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits "stay to play" requirements for youth serving organizations. Under the bill, it is an unlawful practice and a violation of the consumer fraud act for a youth serving organization to require the use of a designated travel agent, hotel, or transportation entity as a condition of eligibility to participate in an activity or service it provides. Typically, stay-to-play means that, to participate in a tournament or event, athletes and team members are required to stay at one of the hotels included in the official tournament or event housing block. All reservations are required to be made through the designated reservation portal and to appear on the official rooming list and final compliance report. Although this practice may have initially been intended to assist players and their families in obtaining affordable room rates, it is increasingly seen as restrictive and may increase the cost of participating in athletics and on various teams. An unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act 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 may 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 makes it illegal for youth-serving organizations, such as sports teams, leagues, and schools that provide activities for minors, to enforce "stay-to-play" rules, which are policies that require participating children and their families to book specific travel agents, hotels, or transportation providers as a condition of eligibility. While these requirements are often used in youth sports tournaments to secure group lodging, they can limit choices and drive up costs for families. By categorizing this practice as a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act—a state law designed to protect consumers from deceptive and unfair business practices—the legislation subjects violators to significant penalties, including fines of up to $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for later offenses, along with potential cease-and-desist orders and financial damages awarded to affected parties.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee (on 09/17/2026)
Bill Topics
Banking, Finance, and Domestic Commerce
- ‐ Consumer Safety and Consumer Fraud
- ‐ Sports and Gambling Regulation
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A5506 | 09/14/2026 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A6000/5506_I1.HTM | 09/18/2026 |
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