Sen. Nangle bill to protect consumers by simplifying subscription cancellations receives strong committee support

Posted: May 28, 2025 | Housing and Economic Development, Senator Nangle

AUGUSTA — On Monday, May 12, the Housing and Economic Development Committee advanced a bill from Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, with strong, bipartisan support. LD 1642, “An Act to Protect Maine Consumers by Simplifying Subscription Cancellations,” aims to ensure Mainers can cancel subscription services as easily as they join them. The committee voted in favor of the bill, as amended, 10-1.

“Too many consumers find themselves signing up for a service online with a few quick clicks, but then navigating a maze of paperwork, in-person visits or hard-to-reach customer service representatives when they want to cancel,” said Sen. Nangle. “Whether it’s a streaming service or a recurring app subscription, this bill will stop companies from putting up unnecessary hoops to jump through, protecting Mainers and saving them money.”

As amended by the committee, LD 1642 would require sellers of subscription services to

  • Obtain express consent of the consumer for automatic subscription renewals through a check box, electronic signature requirement or other affirmative action by the consumer agreeing to the renewal offer
  • Provide for the cancellation of subscriptions using the same method and manner by which they signed up for the subscription
  • Accurately represent material facts regarding automatic subscription renewal offer in the marketing, offering or selling of such subscriptions

The Maine Attorney General would be tasked with enforcing these provisions in accordance with the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act and ensuring consumers are reimbursed for unauthorized subscriptions three times the unauthorized amount billed.

“Although some consumers might find automatic renewals convenient, they nonetheless provide opportunities for unfair, coercive, oppressive and deceptive business practices harmful to consumers,” said Attorney General Aaron Frey in written testimony supporting the bill. “This bill will provide additional and important protections for consumers.”

LD 1642 aims to mirror the Federal Trade Commission’s 2024 “click-to-cancel” rule and codifies the provisions in Maine law, protecting against any federal changes.

LD 1642 now faces votes in the full Senate and House.

Sen. Nangle is serving his second term in the Maine Senate, representing Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Windham and part of Westbrook. He serves as the Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee and sits on the Health and Human Services Committee.