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S 259

An Act to protect consumers from hidden car subscription service fees

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Montigny

Massachusetts bill requiring car subscription services to fully disclose all fees upfront, eliminating hidden charges to protect consumer budgeting and transparency.

Accompanied a study order, see S2811
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Bill Summary · S 259

Legislative bill overview

S 259 would require car subscription services in Massachusetts to disclose all fees upfront and prohibit hidden or surprise charges to consumers. The bill aims to increase transparency in the growing car subscription market, where companies offer vehicle access through monthly subscription models rather than traditional purchases or leases.

Why is this important

Car subscription services have expanded rapidly but often feature opaque fee structures with unexpected charges for mileage overages, maintenance, wear-and-tear, or early termination. Consumers can face significant bills beyond advertised monthly rates, making it difficult to compare services or budget accurately. This bill would establish clearer consumer protections in a relatively unregulated market sector.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry compliance costs: Subscription companies may argue that mandatory upfront disclosure of all possible fees complicates marketing and pricing flexibility, potentially increasing administrative burdens
  • Definition of "hidden" fees: Disputes may arise over what constitutes a hidden versus disclosed fee, and how to handle variable charges (like mileage overages) that depend on customer behavior
  • Competitive impact: Stricter Massachusetts requirements could disadvantage local subscription services compared to out-of-state competitors, or incentivize companies to exit the state market

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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