Unsubscribe Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Takano
Introduced
Summary
Nationwide limits on negative option contracts. This bill would require clear cost disclosures, express informed consent, and easy cancellation for subscriptions and other automatic-charge deals.
Show full summary
- Consumers and families: Would get clearer upfront terms, an easy online cancellation link, and advance notice before a free-to-paid switch. Purchasers would receive periodic notices at least annually and a reminder 2 to 7 days before a cancellation window closes.
- Businesses and sellers: Would have to obtain and retain proof of express informed consent for at least 3 years and could not automatically renew beyond a preliminary period without new consent. The rules would apply to contracts entered into or amended 1 year after enactment.
- Regulators and states: Would let the Federal Trade Commission enforce violations as unfair or deceptive acts with rulemaking and full enforcement powers while preserving states ability to bring suits and keep stronger consumer protections.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New FTC power and state coordination
This bill would give the Federal Trade Commission rulemaking and full enforcement authority over violations, treating them as unfair or deceptive acts under the FTC Act. State attorneys general and state agencies could also sue for violations, but they would generally have to notify the FTC first and could be limited while a federal case is pending. The bill would not preempt state laws that give stronger consumer protections, and timing differences can create a direct conflict for preemption purposes.
Clear consent and disclosures for subscriptions
This bill would require merchants to get your clear, affirmative consent before charging you for subscription or negative-option services. It would require clear, conspicuous disclosure of all material terms before any payment is taken. "Express informed consent" would mean an affirmative, separate action (not doing nothing or a pre-checked box). Merchants would generally have to keep proof of that consent for at least 3 years unless they can show by a preponderance of the evidence their systems prevent a charge without consent.
Easier canceling and renewal notices
This bill would require a simple way to cancel negative-option contracts. If you signed up online, merchants would give a direct link to an online cancellation form so you can cancel without extra non-electronic steps. Merchants would also have to send regular notices with contract terms and a cancellation link at least once a year. If your contract sets a deadline to cancel without extra fees, merchants would notify you between 2 and 7 days before that last free-to-cancel day.
One-year delay before new rules
This bill would apply only to contracts entered into or changed on or after one year after enactment. In practice, merchants and consumers would need to comply with these requirements only for qualifying contracts started or amended after that one-year date.
Stronger protections for free trials
This bill would make it unlawful to charge you after a free or discounted introductory period unless the merchant gave the negative-option terms and got your express informed consent before you completed payment. Merchants would have to disclose the introductory period, the introductory charge, the recurring charge after the trial, and the total cost or cost information for up to 12 months. Before the first post-trial charge, merchants would also have to notify you of the upcoming charge and give direct access to the cancellation mechanism.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Takano
CA • D
Cosponsors
Amodei (NV)
NV • R
Sponsored 1/13/2026
Magaziner
RI • D
Sponsored 1/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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