VirginiaSB1842026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Virginia Consumer Protection Act; shipping goods without certain information.

Sponsored By: Angelia Williams Graves (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Virginia Consumer Protection Act; shipping goods without certain information. Provides that it is a prohibited practice under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act for a supplier to ship goods to a consumer in the Commonwealth in accordance with an automatic renewal or continuous service offer without including a shipping invoice stating (i) the amount the consumer was charged for shipping, if any; (ii) information on how to return the goods, if returns are accepted by the supplier; and (iii) information on how to cancel the automatic renewal or continuous service offer. The bill exempts any supplier that provides such information to a consumer by a timely electronic confirmation of purchase or by otherwise making such information readily available.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

25 provisions identified: 23 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Consent for sensitive health data

No one may get, share, sell, or spread your personally identifiable reproductive or sexual health information without your consent. Companies must have your permission before using this data.

Easier subscription cancellations and invoices

The law makes it easier to cancel recurring purchases online. For free trials longer than 30 days, sellers must remind you that you can cancel within 30 days after the trial ends to avoid charges. If goods ship under an automatic renewal or continuous service, the package must show the shipping charge, how to return it (if allowed), and how to cancel—unless the seller already sent that information by a timely email or made it easy to find. Sellers covered by federal rule 16 C.F.R. Part 433 must include required written disclosures. Using deception, lies, or false promises in a sale is unlawful.

Stronger protections for car owners

Violations of the Automobile Repair Facilities Act, the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers’ Warranty Adjustment Act, and certain vehicle statutes now count as Consumer Protection Act violations. Car owners gain added enforcement for repairs, warranty adjustments, and covered vehicle rules.

Stronger rights on medical debt

Beginning July 1, 2026, breaking the Medical Debt Protection Act also breaks the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. People with medical debt gain added enforcement tools and remedies. Creditors and providers face added penalties for violations.

Broader consumer protection enforcement

The law makes more state law violations count as violations of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. It covers unfair real estate service agreements and two consumer‑protection chapters in Title 59.1, plus two specific sections. Consumers and the Attorney General can now use Consumer Protection Act remedies for these breaches. Businesses in these areas face added enforcement and penalties.

Packaged food labels must meet FDA

Foods that must have an FDA nutrition label must follow federal rules in 21 C.F.R. Part 101. Sellers cannot sell packaged foods with labels that fail those rules.

Stronger enforcement for clubs and promotions

Breaking the Health Club Act, Prizes and Gifts Act, Membership Camping Act, Travel Club Act, Public Telephone Information Act, or Pay‑Per‑Call Services Act is also a Consumer Protection Act violation. Members and buyers get stronger enforcement and remedies when those sector rules are broken.

Stronger safety rules for THC products

The law bans selling synthetic THC products for eating or inhaling, except FDA‑approved, scheduled drugs or products allowed under state cannabis law. No THC sales are allowed to anyone under 21. Packages must be child‑resistant and labeled in English with a THC warning, all ingredients, serving size, and total and per‑serving THC in mg and percent (font at least 1/16 inch), plus an independent lab certificate (ISO/IEC 17025). Sellers cannot make or sell hemp/THC products shaped like people, animals, vehicles, or fruit, or use another brand’s trademark or image without permission. Topical hemp must say “not for human consumption,” with limited exceptions for older stock if the seller can prove the manufacture date.

Truthful product claims and bills

Sellers cannot pass off goods or services as someone else’s or lie about sponsorship or certification. They cannot claim ties to other companies that do not exist, or lie about where a product comes from. They cannot fake quantities, ingredients, uses, benefits, or quality or grade. They cannot say repairs were done or parts installed if they were not. They cannot send fake invoices, or use words like “wholesale” or “manufacturer” unless that is their main business.

Upfront prices and honest sales

Sellers must tell you the total price, including all required fees, before you agree to buy. Stores must clearly mark when goods are used, reconditioned, or not first class. Ads cannot claim sales or discounts that are not real. A seller’s refusal to sell at the advertised price is evidence of a violation, unless the ad clearly states a limited quantity and that amount was on hand or reasonably expected. Layaway plans must disclose their fees and conditions in writing, on a posted sign, or on the bill of sale.

Certified pros for home mold cleanup

Only certified mold remediators may offer mold cleanup for homes in Virginia. Work must follow EPA guidance or ANSI mold standards. This improves safety and quality, but it may raise prices or limit who you can hire.

Credit notices and SSN protections

If you overpay an open‑end credit account by more than $5, the lender must notify you in writing within 60 days or show it in your statement. If you ask in writing for a different account number, a business cannot use your Social Security number as your account number.

Door-to-door sales must follow rules

Breaking the Virginia Home Solicitation Sales Act in door‑to‑door or in‑home sales is also a Consumer Protection Act violation. This adds remedies when sellers ignore in‑home sales rules.

Service and lease-purchase enforcement

Breaking the Extended Service Contract Act or the Lease‑Purchase Agreement Act is also a Consumer Protection Act violation. Buyers of service contracts and rent‑to‑own style deals get stronger enforcement options.

Stores must post return rules

Retailers must post clear signs that list all return conditions, charges, and fees. If they do not post the sign, it is a violation. Some items are exempt, like special orders, sale items that are clearly distressed or out of season, and vehicles, tractors, or motorcycles. A store policy that gives at least 20 days for refunds on unused, undamaged goods with proof of purchase can also qualify for an exception.

Stronger protections for home repairs

Suppliers may not sell or use drywall they know or should know is defective in Virginia homes. During a declared emergency, or for repairs of damage from that event, fraudulent or dishonest conduct is illegal, even if the contractor is unlicensed.

Fair contracts and subscriptions

If you and a business sign a written deal to settle a dispute, the business must follow it. Sellers and landlords cannot use or collect on penalty or liquidated‑damage clauses that are void under other law. Subscription offers made to small businesses are treated like consumer deals, so those suppliers face consumer‑protection enforcement.

Lending and finance rules now enforceable

Breaking key Virginia banking and lending rules is now also a consumer‑protection violation. This includes several chapters of Title 6.2 (Chapters 18, 20, 20.1, 22, 25, and 26) and § 6.2‑312. Consumers get more ways to seek help if lenders or finance companies violate these rules. Covered businesses face added civil enforcement risk under consumer law.

Licensing breaches face consumer claims

Breaking certain state professional licensing rules is also a Consumer Protection Act violation. Consumers gain another way to seek refunds or other remedies when licensed providers break those laws.

Limits on ignition interlock ads

Only vendors approved by the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program may advertise ignition interlock systems in Virginia. Ads cannot target a person before a court finds guilt. Ads must clearly say they are not linked to any government agency. Commission‑approved materials at approved locations are allowed.

More laws now covered by consumer law

The law makes many other Virginia statutes enforceable under the Consumer Protection Act. Examples include price gouging during emergencies, criminal fraud and false pretenses, certain hospital and health‑safety rules, privacy of reproductive or sexual health information, advertising and comparison‑price rules, and unlicensed practice in covered trades. Consumers get added civil remedies. Businesses and individuals who break those laws can face consumer‑protection penalties too.

No sales of recalled kids’ products

Sellers must not sell, offer, or make for sale a children’s product that they know or should know is recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If a CPSC recall notice is on the CPSC website for at least 30 days, the law assumes the seller should know. The rule does not cover used, secondhand, or “seconds” children’s products.

Tax-rule breaches are consumer violations

Breaking certain state tax‑related rules now counts as a Consumer Protection Act violation. This adds consumer‑protection enforcement to those violations.

Tougher enforcement on pricing ads

Breaking Virginia’s merchandise pricing law or the Comparison Price Advertising Act is also a Consumer Protection Act violation. This strengthens penalties for false price comparisons and mispriced goods.

Kratom age limit and labels

Sellers cannot sell kratom to anyone under 21. Every kratom package must list all ingredients. Labels must include this exact statement: "This product may be harmful to your health, has not been evaluated by the FDA, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Angelia Williams Graves

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 218 • No: 0

House vote 2/27/2026

Passed House Block Vote

Yes: 96 • No: 0

House vote 2/24/2026

Reported from General Laws

Yes: 20 • No: 0

House vote 2/19/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 10 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/3/2026

Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/2/2026

Committee substitute agreed to (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/30/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/30/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/28/2026

Reported from General Laws and Technology with substitute

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0488)

    4/8/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 488 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/8/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026Senate
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB184)

    3/4/2026Senate
  6. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB184ER)

    3/4/2026Senate
  7. Enrolled

    3/4/2026Senate
  8. Signed by President

    3/4/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/4/2026House
  10. Passed House Block Vote (96-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/27/2026House
  11. Read third time

    2/27/2026House
  12. Read second time

    2/26/2026House
  13. Reported from General Laws (20-Y 0-N)

    2/24/2026House
  14. Subcommittee recommends reporting (10-Y 0-N)

    2/19/2026House
  15. Assigned HGL sub: Housing/Consumer Protection

    2/16/2026House
  16. Read first time

    2/6/2026House
  17. Referred to Committee on General Laws

    2/6/2026House
  18. Placed on Calendar

    2/6/2026House
  19. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB184)

    2/3/2026Senate
  20. Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/3/2026Senate
  21. Committee substitute agreed to (Voice Vote)

    2/2/2026Senate
  22. Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/2/2026Senate
  23. Read second time

    2/2/2026Senate
  24. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    1/30/2026Senate
  25. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (38-Y 0-N 0-A)

    1/30/2026Senate

Bill Text

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