Mercer Times

TRENTON — Governor Phil Murphy today signed A3892/S2952, streamlining gym membership cancellation policies and protecting consumers across New Jersey. The legislation requires gym subscription services that can be entered online to offer an online cancellation option, as outlined by the Governor and various state officials.

"By signing this bill into law, New Jerseyans will be protected from confusing, misleading, and inflexible subscription cancellation policies," declared Governor Murphy. Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, also expressed gratitude, stating, “We thank Governor Murphy and our legislators for once again making consumer protection a priority in New Jersey.”

Senate President Nicholas Scutari emphasized the simplicity and necessity of the new law, stating, “This is a straightforward consumer protection law.” Senator Gordon Johnson echoed this sentiment, adding, “It’s simple, if you sign up for a gym membership online, you should be able to cancel your membership online as well.”

Assemblyman Paul Moriarty shared the motivation behind the legislation, citing consumer complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic as a driving force: “I heard so many complaints from consumers who were having trouble canceling their gym memberships, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, that I knew I had to take action.”

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson highlighted the importance of protecting consumers from unwanted charges, stating, “Consumers will now be protected against being billed for subscription services they don’t want but have had difficulties canceling.” Assemblywoman Angela McKnight also expressed her satisfaction with the new law, emphasizing the relief it would bring to consumers: “The frustration - and expense - New Jerseyans faced over trying to cancel memberships and subscriptions online during a pandemic was unfair to them.”

The legislation aims to ensure a more accessible and consumer-friendly process for terminating gym memberships, ultimately providing financial protection and peace of mind to New Jersey residents.