Sen. Nangle issues statement after federal court blocks implementation of FTC’s ‘click-to-cancel’ rule

Posted: July 10, 2025 | Housing and Economic Development, Senator Nangle

AUGUSTA — This week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit blocked the implementation of the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule, citing procedural errors it said the agency made. The rule aimed to make it easier for Americans to cancel unwanted subscriptions and protect consumers from charges they did not authorize.

Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, released the following statement after championing legislation this year to enshrine provisions similar to “click-to-cancel” in Maine law.

“Too many companies count on confusion and delay to keep people locked into services they don’t want and extract more money from them,” said Sen. Nangle. “The federal ‘Click to Cancel’ rule marked a meaningful step forward that aimed to protect consumers and save their hard-earned dollars. This week’s action in the federal courts that blocked implementation of the rule on a procedural technicality is exactly why I introduced legislation to enshrine similar “Click to Cancel” provisions in Maine law.”

“I’m proud that we passed my bill this session, and when the law takes effect, Maine people who sign up for a service online will be able to cancel online — no tricks, no runaround,” Sen. Nangle continued. “Mainers deserve a system that’s honest, simple and puts them back in control of their own money. Regardless of what happens at the federal level, we secured a win for transparency and fairness in the Maine Legislature.”

LD 1642, the law introduced by Sen. Nangle in the 132nd Legislature, was signed by Gov. Mills on June 20 and will apply to automatic subscriptions and health club memberships. The law strengthens consumer protection in Maine by requiring:

  • Clear disclosure of subscription or membership terms before enrollment;
  • Affirmative consent before charging for automatic renewals;
  • Online cancellation using the same method as sign-up; and
  • Advance notice before long-term renewals.

As non-emergency legislation, the bill will take effect on September 24, 2025, 90 days after the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned sine die.