H 4274
An Act governing your membership in fitness clubs
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to provide greater consumer protections for individuals with fitness club memberships in Massachusetts. It defines key terms like ‘automatic renewal’ and ‘continuous service,’ requires health clubs to clearly post membership categories and costs, and establishes requirements for bonding to protect consumers in case of a club’s closure. The bill also strengthens cancellation rights, mandates clear notice of cancellation procedures, and regulates assignment of contracts.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘automatic renewal’ and ‘continuous service’ for health club contracts.
- Requires health clubs to clearly post membership categories and associated costs.
- Mandates the use of surety bonds to protect consumers if a health club closes or fails to honor cancellation rights.
- Strengthens consumer cancellation rights, allowing for a five-day cancellation period.
- Requires health clubs to provide clear and conspicuous notice of cancellation procedures.
- Regulates contract assignment, requiring prior, informed written consent from the buyer.
- Establishes a process for temporary facility closures, requiring notification to consumers and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
- Addresses the issue of automatic renewals, requiring clear presentation of terms and obtaining written consent.
Who is affected
- Consumers of fitness club memberships
- Fitness clubs and health clubs
- Bonding companies
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Cosponsors
Colleen M. Garry
Michelle M. DuBois
Steven J. Ouellette
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Bill H.4274 194th (Current)
An Act governing your membership in fitness clubs
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4274
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 7/23/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure |
| 7/23/2025 | House | New draft of H388, H410 and H413 |
| 7/23/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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