Bill would release soldiers from leases, other contracts

Suzanne Struglinski

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2003 | 10:48 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Soldiers called up to fight overseas will not have to worry about certain penalties of getting out car leases, phone contracts or home purchases if a bill to be introduced by Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., becomes law.

Gibbons, a veteran the Vietnam War and the first Persian Gulf War, said service members should not have to worry about paying for a car or cell phone they cannot use because they are called to serve overseas.

The "Call-Up Act" would allow military members to be released from an auto lease without a financial penalty if they are assigned overseas. Other fees related to breaking the lease would be prorated.

The same would go for a telecommunications contract, like a cell phone.

"Our military men and women should not have to go fight for their country only to come home and have to fight for their credit," Gibbons said.

Military members deployed after buying a home could be released from a purchase agreement without penalty if the assignment comes before closing. Gibbons noted this would also help National Guard members who may want to buy home but could not afford it if activated.

If approved, the protection in the law would not apply to leases or contracts agreed to after a soldier receives notice of an overseas assignment or service extension.