House committee advances bill to curb surprise automatic subscription renewals

Representative Carr Barrett presented House Bill 1224 as a consumer-protection measure aimed at automatic subscription renewals and surprise price increases. Barrett said the bill offers a "buffet of options" for industry to choose from, including a 45‑day grace period to allow consumers to see bank statements and cancel after a price increase, or a requirement that sellers obtain affirmative consent to continue when a renewal includes a higher price.

"Some of the app operators out there, they'll say, oh, we'll give you a refund... Others say, no. Sorry. You're out of luck," Barrett said to illustrate the problem he wants to address. He said the House passed an earlier renewal bill overwhelmingly and that consumer advocates and senior citizens strongly support the new proposal.

Representative Carter recounted difficulty canceling a subscription and moved to 'do pass' on HB 1224; the committee approved the motion by voice vote and the bill was forwarded to rules.