A bill banning terms and conditions in consumer contracts
that require disputes to be settled somewhere outside of New Jersey was
advanced by an Assembly panel this morning.
The bill, which is sponsored by four Assembly Democrats, was
released with a 3-1 vote by the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee. Sponsors
claim prohibiting requirements found in consumer contracts that disputes be
settled out-of-state will help to level the playing field between consumers and
businesses.
"Consumers deserve fair consideration when it comes to
resolving these disputes," Assemblyman Peter Barnes III (D-Edison) said in
a statement. "Being forced to travel out-of-state is not fair
consideration. This bill targets unreasonable provisions for the benefit of not
only consumers, but also companies who favor customer service."
Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Turnersville) said the bill
targets hidden language in contracts that is designed to put a consumer at a
legal disadvantage.
"Consumers know full well, unfortunately, the
frustration that builds when language found deep within the fine print of
contracts purposefully makes it difficult to easily and readily resolve
disputes," Moriarty said in a statement. "Residents and businesses
that play by the rules deserve better, and that's why this bill is aimed solely
at protecting the rights of consumers."
Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan (D-South Plainfield) said in a
statement that "Companies with sound and fair contracts have nothing to
worry about," adding that the legislation is specifically aimed at
"companies that intentionally try to make it tough on consumers to resolve
disputes."
The bill will now head to the full Assembly.
Source: NJbiz.com
No comments:
Post a Comment