TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ronald L. Rice which would allow individuals engaged in military service for more than 90 days to cancel leases of personal property without penalty was approved by the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee today.
“With no foreseeable end to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, we must realize that our servicemen and women are going to be called on to serve long tours of duty in the Middle East,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “Many have entered into “rent-to-own” contracts for household goods such as furniture, appliances and computers. This bill helps them get out of these contracts for items they can’t use while serving the United States abroad.”
The bill, S-650, would allow a person who has entered military service for more than 90 days to cancel a lease covering personal property without penalty. Upon cancellation of the lease, the former lessee and any co-signer would be absolved of any obligation to the lessor, except for any damages to the leased property. The bill is similar to legislation enacted last session to allow individuals who have entered military service to cancel a lease on a non-commercial motor vehicle without penalty.
“Military personnel and their families living in New Jersey already have to watch their budgets very carefully,” said Senator Rice. “When our country calls upon them to fight for us across the globe, we should do everything within our power at home to make their lives easier.”
The bill now heads to the full Assembly for consideration.
