Bill > S259

This bill aims to protect consumers from being charged recurring subscription fees for motor vehicle features that are already installed and would function without ongoing expenses. The legislation defines key terms such as "consumer" (a vehicle buyer or lessee in Massachusetts), "dealer" (a person or entity selling or leasing vehicles), and "subscription service" (a recurring payment for a service). Specifically, the bill prohibits dealers from charging consumers subscription fees for motor vehicle features that utilize components and hardware already present in the vehicle at the time of purchase and can function after activation without continuous costs (excluding routine software maintenance and upgrades). Dealers who violate this provision would face financial penalties, with fines of up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $20,000 for subsequent offenses. The bill requires the registrar to develop implementing regulations within one year of the act's effective date, providing a regulatory framework to enforce these consumer protections and prevent what the bill considers unfair subscription practices for pre-existing vehicle features.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S259