Defines certain terms in standard form contracts as unconscionable
This bill defines specific terms in standard form contracts (where an individual didn’t draft the agreement) as unconscionable, directly affecting consumers who sign such contracts with businesses. It creates a rebuttable presumption that terms like requiring inconvenient dispute venues, waiving statutory rights, or imposing excessive fees are unfair and unenforceable. The law also establishes $1,000 in statutory damages per violation for consumers and classifies including these terms as an unfair trade practice. It applies to contracts entered into after its effective date (January 1 next year), aiming to prevent businesses from using oppressive contract terms.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 8, 2025
Last action Jan 7, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PROTECTION
lower
Jan 8, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PROTECTION
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Phil Steck
DDemocratic
Co
Jaime Williams
DDemocratic
Co
Rebecca Seawright
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about A 636
Scope: NY
Hi! I can help you understand A 636. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline