The proposed bill, titled the "Uniform Cohabitants' Economic Remedies Act," establishes legal rights and remedies for cohabitants—defined as two individuals living together as a couple without being married. It allows cohabitants to bring actions for contractual and equitable claims related to their contributions to the relationship, which can include domestic services and care for family members, but explicitly excludes sexual relations. The bill outlines the requirements for a cohabitants' agreement, which can be oral or written, and specifies that such agreements cannot adversely affect a child's right to support or limit a cohabitant's ability to pursue legal remedies in cases of domestic abuse.
Additionally, the bill provides that court orders or judgments under this act will be treated as orders in favor of general creditors, ensuring that the rights of good-faith purchasers or secured creditors are not impaired. It emphasizes the importance of uniformity in application across jurisdictions and includes provisions for the act's effective date, which is set for July 1, 2025. The act also includes severability clauses to ensure that if any part is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.