SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A state Democratic proposal would stop what lawmakers are calling a "gym membership scam."
Gyms across Illinois offer lifetime memberships, but lawmakers say some contracts will have in fine print provisions that either decrease benefits or increase costs as time goes by.
The bill would ensure all gym lifetime memberships clearly show if benefits decrease or costs increase over time. If a contract breaks this rule, a member would only be charged what they originally signed in the terms of agreement.
State Sen. Christopher Belt (D-East St. Louis) said deceptive tactics from gyms will not be tolerated.
“We all know the feeling of being swamped by memberships and subscriptions, the last thing we need is a price hike on what was a promised rate.” Belt said. "This legislation makes sure gyms and fitness centers are honest with their members."
On the Senate floor, Belt said the language of the bill could change in the House, as he is in talks with the attorneys general office on technical changes.
It passed out of the Senate with on a bipartisan 51-4 vote. The policy will now head to the House, where lawmakers could talk about it in the coming weeks.
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