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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS

Senate BillS 2253Commerce

Unsubscribe Act of 2025

INTRO JUL 10· LAST ACTION JUL 10

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Introduced

In Committee

Reported

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Passed House

Conference

To President

Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

This bill matters to voters because it addresses a common frustration: hidden subscription fees, automatic renewals consumers don't remember agreeing to, and the often-difficult process of canceling services. Many people have experienced being charged for a service after a "free trial" ended, or finding it nearly impossible to unsubscribe from a recurring charge without a lengthy phone call or convoluted online steps.

If this bill becomes law, consumers would have more control over their spending, fewer surprise charges, and a much simpler way to end unwanted subscriptions. This could save individuals significant money over time and reduce the mental burden of tracking recurring payments. If it doesn't become law, the current landscape where businesses can use confusing terms and difficult cancellation methods for negative option contracts would largely continue, leaving consumers vulnerable to these frustrating and often costly practices.

KEY PROVISIONS

4AI-extracted

PROVISION 01

Requires businesses to clearly disclose all material terms and obtain a consumer's express informed consent before charging them for any service that automatically renews or continues.

This ensures consumers fully understand what they are agreeing to and actively opt-in before being charged, preventing surprise subscriptions.

PROVISION 02

Mandates that businesses offer simple mechanisms for cancellation of negative option contracts, including a direct online link for electronically entered contracts.

This makes it much easier for consumers to stop unwanted services without encountering unnecessary hurdles or lengthy processes.

PROVISION 03

Sets rules for free-to-pay conversion contracts, requiring specific notifications about terms and express consent before the first charge after a free or discounted period.

This protects consumers from unknowingly transitioning from a free trial to a paid subscription, a common source of unexpected charges.

PROVISION 04

Requires businesses to provide annual notifications about the terms of negative option contracts and direct access to cancellation information.

This keeps consumers informed about their ongoing subscriptions and reminds them how to cancel, even for long-standing services.

SPONSORSHIP

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ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

JUL 10

Introduced in Senate

INTROREFERRAL

JUL 10

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

INTROREFERRAL

BILL INFO

TypeSenate Bill

NumberS 2253

Congress119th

StatusIn Committee

IntroducedJul 10, 2025

Last actionJul 10, 2025

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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 10, 2025

Senate BillS 2253Commerce

Unsubscribe Act of 2025

INTRODUCED JUL 10, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 10, 2025

PASSAGE CHANCES

—%

READING

12 min

COSPONSORS

COMPLEXITY

Moderate

Call my reps Congress.gov

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 2 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed Senate

Passed House

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

KEY PROVISIONS

AI-extracted

high

Requires businesses to clearly disclose all material terms and obtain a consumer's express informed consent before charging them for any service that automatically renews or continues.

This ensures consumers fully understand what they are agreeing to and actively opt-in before being charged, preventing surprise subscriptions.

high

Mandates that businesses offer simple mechanisms for cancellation of negative option contracts, including a direct online link for electronically entered contracts.

This makes it much easier for consumers to stop unwanted services without encountering unnecessary hurdles or lengthy processes.

high

Sets rules for free-to-pay conversion contracts, requiring specific notifications about terms and express consent before the first charge after a free or discounted period.

This protects consumers from unknowingly transitioning from a free trial to a paid subscription, a common source of unexpected charges.

med

Requires businesses to provide annual notifications about the terms of negative option contracts and direct access to cancellation information.

This keeps consumers informed about their ongoing subscriptions and reminds them how to cancel, even for long-standing services.

DEADLINES & DATES

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

Not fewer than 3 years

Merchants must keep verification of express informed consent for not fewer than 3 years.

Not less frequently than annually

Merchants must provide consumers with notification of contract terms and cancellation access at regular intervals.

Not fewer than 2 but not more than 7 days before

Merchants must provide additional notification and cancellation access before the last day to cancel without incurring additional charges.

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

TYPE	AMOUNT	WHO
civil	Subject to penalties provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act, treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice.	Any person or merchant of record who violates this Act or its regulations

GLOSSARY

AI-written

Merchant of record: The legal entity that processes a consumer's payment and is responsible for complying with financial regulations and consumer protection laws related to a transaction.
Express informed consent: Clear and unmistakable permission given by a consumer after they have been fully and clearly told about all the important terms of a contract or service.
Free-to-pay conversion contract: A type of negative option contract where a service or good is offered for free or at a discounted price for an introductory period, and then automatically converts to a full-price, recurring payment arrangement unless the consumer cancels.
Material terms: The important details of a contract that would influence a consumer's decision to agree to the contract, such as price, duration, and cancellation policy.
Commission: Refers to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the government agency responsible for protecting consumers and enforcing antitrust laws.
Preliminary period: The initial or introductory length of time for which a negative option contract is agreed upon before any automatic renewal or continuation takes effect.

ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

JUL 10, 25

Introduced in Senate

INTROREFERRAL

JUL 10, 25

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

INTROREFERRAL

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Commerce, Science, and Transportation CommitteeReferred

Jul 10, 2025

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LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

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Unsubscribe Act of 2025

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

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