New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S4006

Introduced
6/26/23  

Caption

Prohibits health club services contracts from limiting liability for injuries caused by negligence of health club.

Impact

This bill, if passed, would significantly influence consumer rights in relation to health club services. By ensuring that health clubs cannot sidestep their responsibilities through contractual limitations, SB S4006 reinforces consumer protection. It aligns with the judicial dissent expressed in previous court cases, such as Pulice v. Green Brook Sports & Fitness, asserting that liability waivers are fundamentally unfair to consumers. Moreover, this will likely lead to clearer communication in health club contracts, where the risks associated with attending health clubs must be adequately communicated to potential buyers.

Summary

Senate Bill S4006 seeks to amend existing regulations regarding health club services contracts in New Jersey. The primary objective of this bill is to prohibit health clubs from limiting their liability for injuries that occur due to negligence on their part, or by their agents or employees. The proposed legislation stipulates that contracts drawn between health clubs and consumers must explicitly state the rights of the consumers regarding their liability in the event of injury resulting from negligence. It establishes that such clauses limiting liability would be considered void and against public policy, thereby protecting consumers from unfair terms in health club contracts.

Contention

The bill is grounded in efforts to enhance transparency and accountability within the health club industry. However, it may face pushback from health club operators who argue that such liability provisions are essential for limiting their exposure to potentially exorbitant claims. Critics might contend that this legislation could lead to higher operating costs for health clubs, which may then be passed onto consumers in the form of increased membership fees. Furthermore, the legal and financial implications for health clubs could deter new businesses from entering the market, raising concerns about industry growth and competition.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1481

Prohibits health club services contracts from limiting liability for injuries caused by negligence of health club.

NJ A5272

Prohibits health club services contracts from limiting liability for injuries caused by negligence of health club.

NJ A3892

Requires online option for cancellation of automatic renewal of health club services subscriptions entered into online; provides additional options for cancelling health club services contracts under certain circumstances.

NJ S2952

Requires online option for cancellation of automatic renewal of health club services subscriptions entered into online; provides additional options for cancelling health club services contracts under certain circumstances.

NJ S774

Requires online option for cancellation of automatic renewal of health club services subscriptions entered into online; provides additional options for cancelling health club services contracts under certain circumstances.

NJ A3297

Requires health club services contract contain certain provisions regarding procedures during outbreak of infectious disease.

NJ S1793

Requires health club services contract contain certain provisions regarding procedures during outbreak of infectious disease.

NJ SB00693

An Act Concerning Changes To Statutes Concerning Health Club Contracts And The Automobile Lemon Law.

NJ HB2216

Relating to the registration and regulation of health clubs.

NJ HB321

Relating to the registration and regulation of health clubs.

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