summary
Introduced
01/12/2016
01/12/2016
In Committee
01/12/2016
01/12/2016
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/08/2018
01/08/2018
Introduced Session
2016-2017 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits terms and conditions in a consumer contract that require the dispute be resolved in a venue, forum, or jurisdiction outside of the State of New Jersey. This bill will assure that consumers are not forced by businesses to resolve their disputes in distant and costly forums. Consumer contracts increasingly contain forum-selection clauses that require litigation or arbitration to take place outside of New Jersey, making dispute resolution costly and difficult for consumers. These contracts are typically standardized forms drafted with no input from the consumer, and are offered on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. The consumer is often the less sophisticated party, who is agreeing to the contract without the benefit of an attorney, and may not be able to afford to travel to resolve a dispute.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits terms and conditions in consumer contracts that require disputes to be resolved in a venue, forum, or jurisdiction outside of the State of New Jersey. The purpose is to ensure that consumers are not forced by businesses to resolve disputes in distant and costly forums, which can make it difficult for consumers, who are often the less sophisticated party, to afford to travel and participate. The bill makes such forum-selection clauses invalid, unless the consumer has the advice of counsel as evidenced by the lawyer's signature on the contract.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 01/12/2016)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| BillText | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2016/Bills/S0500/387_I1.HTM |
| Bill | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2016/Bills/S0500/387_I1.PDF |
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