New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1766

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires refunds for payments made to venues for events canceled due to coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and caps additional venue charges at no more than rate of inflation for rescheduled events.

Impact

The legislation establishes clear requirements for venues regarding refunds and additional charges, effectively altering existing agreements between consumers and venue operators. By ensuring refunds are mandatory in specific situations, the bill aims to provide financial relief and assurance to event-goers. Furthermore, in cases where events are rescheduled, the bill restricts venue operators from imposing additional charges that exceed inflation rates, calculated from the deposit date to rescheduling date. This ensures that costs remain manageable and predictable for consumers, preventing financial strain during a time of economic uncertainty.

Summary

Senate Bill S1766, introduced during the 221st New Jersey Legislature, mandates that payments for events canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic must be refunded to the payer. This requirement addresses cancellations that arise from the public health emergency declared by the Governor in Executive Order 103 of 2020 or actions taken by individuals or businesses rendering the event impossible. The bill emphasizes consumer protection by ensuring that individuals who paid for venue services are not left without recourse during such unprecedented circumstances.

Contention

While the bill aims to protect consumers, there may be concerns from venue operators regarding the financial implications of mandated refunds and capped rescheduling fees. Venues may argue that such requirements could impact their ability to recover losses incurred during the pandemic, as they might face challenges in maintaining profitability post-COVID-19. Therefore, the discussion around S1766 may involve a delicate balance between consumer rights and the operational viability of venues, leading to points of contention among stakeholders in the event industry.

Companion Bills

NJ A337

Carry Over Requires refunds for payments made to venues for events canceled due to coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and caps additional venue charges at no more than rate of inflation for rescheduled events.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2671

Concerns mortgage and loan forbearance, rent suspension, and consumer reporting during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

NJ SCR73

Requesting The Office Of Wellness And Resilience To Develop A Report To Address The Developmental Needs Of Children Born During The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

NJ SR56

Requesting The Office Of Wellness And Resilience To Develop A Report To Address The Developmental Needs Of Children Born During The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

NJ HCR139

Requesting The Office Of Wellness And Resilience To Develop A Report To Address The Developmental Needs Of Children Born During The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

NJ HR133

Requesting The Office Of Wellness And Resilience To Develop A Report To Address The Developmental Needs Of Children Born During The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

NJ S2254

Concerns notification requirements for certain utility assistance programs; repeals law establishing notification requirements for public and local utilities during coronavirus 2019 pandemic.

NJ S2673

Provides mortgage payment relief, income tax relief, consumer reporting protection, and eviction protection for residential property owners, tenants, and other consumers, economically impacted during time of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

NJ S0751

Amends the definition of infectious diseases to include the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

NJ S404

Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for hospitalizations resulting from coronavirus disease 2019 without imposing cost-sharing requirements.

NJ A470

Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for hospitalizations resulting from coronavirus disease 2019 without imposing cost-sharing requirements.

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