Bill > SB493

This bill strengthens consumer protections regarding automatic renewal or continuous service offers by requiring businesses, now referred to as "sellers" instead of "suppliers," to provide clearer and more conspicuous disclosures about subscription terms, recurring charges, and cancellation policies. The definition of "clear and conspicuous" has been expanded to ensure disclosures are easily noticeable and understandable to ordinary consumers, including specific requirements for online and audio communications, and that these disclosures cannot be contradicted by other information. Crucially, sellers must now offer a cancellation mechanism that is at least as easy to use as the method the consumer used to sign up for the service, and this mechanism must be available through all methods by which a consumer can initiate the offer, with specific provisions for online, telephone, and in-person cancellations. Furthermore, certain businesses that were previously exempt from these disclosure and cancellation requirements are now included under these regulations.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB493