Assembly committee releases bill extending cancellation window for seniors and people with intellectual disabilities

Assembly Committee members released Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill 551, which would extend certain cancellation windows for home‑improvement and related consumer contracts for older adults and people with intellectual disabilities.

The measure would permit consumers aged 60 or older, and consumers with an intellectual disability, to cancel a home‑improvement contract for any reason within five business days, instead of the current three business days. It also would require a conspicuous notice in at least 10‑point bold type advising affected consumers of their extended cancellation right; require refund of all money paid within 30 days of notice of cancellation; and require return of goods within 30 days of cancellation, according to the bill text read into the record.

Why it matters: Supporters told the committee that unscrupulous contractors often target older residents and that a longer cancellation period would give families time to review contracts and avoid costly, unnecessary work. Elsie Foster, director of consumer affairs for Middlesex County and mayor of Highland Park, described cases her office has seen where seniors were left with large bills or without necessary services after contractors altered or dismantled equipment. "We had a senior who was 81 years old. Contractor went to her home, told her her boiler was not working properly. He would do a few tweaks," Foster said, describing one case in which the senior spent a winter without heat after being locked into an unaffordable contract.

Tom Riley, a consumer affairs investigator for Middlesex County who said he proposed the bill, said the extra days would allow family members or others who help track finances to review contracts. "If a contractor came in on a Monday, nothing could be done until the following week. So it at least gives that weekend time for him or her to converse with their son, daughter, relative," Riley testified.

The measure retains existing protections for all consumers and modifies the special rules for consumers 60 and older or with an intellectual disability. The bill as read into the record also addresses cancellation rights for contracts for the sale of goods priced at $500 or more and reiterates the 30‑day refund and return deadlines.

Formal action: On a motion to release the committee substitute, Assemblyman Sharfenberger moved the motion; there was no recorded second. Committee members present recorded affirmative responses and the chair announced "The bill is released." The committee did not record any nay votes, abstentions, or recusals in the public transcript.

What’s next: Releasing the committee substitute moves the bill out of committee for further consideration. The transcript does not record any subsequent steps, amendments, or dates for future hearings.

Votes at a glance: On the motion to release Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill 551 the record shows yes responses from Assemblyman Sharfenberger; Assemblyman Keane; Assemblywoman McCann Stamato; Assemblyman Miller; Assemblywoman Koyasas Gill; Vice Chairwoman Speight; and Chairman Stanley. The transcript does not record a formal roll‑call tally beyond the recorded "yes" responses.