MA H261

Bill

To prohibit negative option sales and disclosure of financial and personal information without a consumer’s express agreement

Introduced
01/22/2019

In Committee
01/22/2019

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

191st General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation to prevent the automatic signing up of consumers for products or services. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

AI Summary

This bill proposes to prohibit "negative option sales" and the disclosure of financial and personal information without a consumer's express agreement. It defines key terms like "seller," "trial offer," "clear and conspicuous," and "affirmative consent." The bill requires sellers to provide clear disclosures about the terms of any trial offer, including any additional financial obligations, and to obtain the consumer's affirmative consent before imposing any such obligations. It also prohibits sellers from disclosing the consumer's billing information to other sellers without the consumer's affirmative consent. Additionally, the bill prohibits financial institutions from disclosing customers' financial or personal information, except in limited circumstances such as with the customer's authorization.

Committee Categories

Labor and Employment

Sponsors (1)

Steven Howitt (R),

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see H5043 (on 10/26/2020)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H261

(7 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H261
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H261.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H1092	To protect consumers in the issuance of automobile insurance policies and bonds	Accompanied a study order, see H5160	Similar To
H2774	Relative to preference for products or services manufactured or produced in the United States	Accompanied a study order, see H5103	Similar To
H5043	Study Order - licensing, right to repair law, consumer safety and rights.	Discharged to the committee on House Rules	Replaced by
H996	To extend coverage for any willing provider to qualify as a mental health professional	Accompanied a study order, see H5160	Similar To
S1108	Relative to consumers and workers	Accompanied a study order, see S2548	Similar To
S561	Empowering health care consumers	Ought NOT to pass (under Joint Rule 10) and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session	Similar To
S692	Providing access to patient protection services for MassHealth consumers	Ought NOT to pass (under Joint Rule 10) and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session	Similar To

Bill > H261

MA H261

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary