Requires any business entity that makes automatic renewal offers or memberships or subscriptions that are available on-line, also make the canceling such agreements for goods, services, memberships or subscriptions equally accessible on-line.

Plain-English Summary

This bill targets a common frustration many consumers face: being able to sign up for a subscription or membership online in just a few clicks, but then having to call a phone number, send an email, or jump through other hoops to cancel it. Under this proposed Rhode Island law, any business that allows customers to sign up for an automatically renewing subscription, membership, or service online must also allow them to cancel that same agreement online — using an equally simple and accessible process.

The bill applies to a wide range of businesses that offer automatic renewals, such as streaming services, gym memberships, software subscriptions, product delivery services, and similar arrangements. If a company lets you sign up on their website or app, they would be required by law to provide an online cancellation option that is just as easy to find and use. Businesses could no longer force online customers to cancel through more difficult or time-consuming methods if the original sign-up was done digitally.

This legislation primarily affects Rhode Island consumers who use online subscriptions and businesses that sell them to Rhode Island residents. Consumers would benefit from having a simpler, more straightforward way to stop unwanted charges. Businesses would need to update their websites or apps to ensure an online cancellation option is available if they offer online sign-ups. The bill has been introduced and sent to the Senate Commerce Committee for further review.