Connecticut House Bill HB05304

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/21
• Refer: 1/22/21

Caption

An Act Protecting Customers Or Consumers Who Cancel Memberships And Subscriptions.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would create a significant overhaul in consumer protection laws related to service cancellations. Businesses would be required to adjust their policies to allow for online and telephonic cancellations. The bill stipulates that consumers must receive a prorated billing amount post-cancellation, which would help prevent issues with unfair charges after cancellation requests. This is particularly relevant for industries such as fitness and health clubs, where membership agreements can often feature cumbersome cancellation processes.

Summary

House Bill 5304, titled An Act Protecting Customers Or Consumers Who Cancel Memberships And Subscriptions, aims to enhance consumer rights concerning membership and subscription services. The bill mandates that businesses provide consumers with the ability to cancel such services either online or over the telephone, ensuring that in-person visits to business establishments are not required for cancellations. This change seeks to accommodate the growing trend of online transactions and the convenience consumers expect in a digital age.

Contention

Discussions around HB 5304 may revolve around concerns from business owners regarding the implications of these changes on their operational processes. Critics could express that the requirements may impose additional burdens on businesses, particularly smaller establishments that may not have the infrastructure to support online cancellation processes. Supporters argue that the bill represents a necessary step towards fairer treatment of consumers, ensuring they have easier access to cancel services as per their needs without facing administrative barriers.