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SB 739

Consumer Protection - As introduced, increases, from 30 to 45 days, the amount of time a person who purchases, subscribes to, or receives products, services, or membership in an organization by negotiating an unsolicited negotiable instrument has from the date of the first statement or bill for the purchase, subscription, service, product, or membership to cancel the services, subscription, or membership, or return the product. - Amends TCA Title 9 and Title 47.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bobby Harshbarger

Extends consumer cancellation window for unwanted charges from 30 to 45 days, giving buyers more time to dispute unauthorized subscriptions and memberships in Tennessee.

Deferred to Summer Study
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 739

Legislative bill overview

SB 739 extends the cancellation window for unwanted purchases, subscriptions, or memberships from 30 days to 45 days, specifically for those obtained through unsolicited negotiable instruments. The bill amends Tennessee consumer protection law to provide consumers additional time to review charges and cancel before the first billing cycle completes.

Why is this important

This change directly affects consumers who may discover unauthorized or unwanted charges on their bank statements. The additional 15 days provides more realistic time for people to notice unfamiliar transactions, contact customer service, and process cancellations—particularly important for vulnerable populations who may check statements infrequently or face language barriers with billing companies.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Companies must reprogram billing systems, customer service protocols, and accounting procedures to accommodate the extended window, potentially increasing operational expenses
  • Fraud vulnerability: A longer cancellation period may incentivize bad actors to charge accounts knowing they have additional time before cancellation becomes routine, requiring stronger fraud detection measures
  • Ambiguity of "unsolicited negotiable instrument": The legal definition of what constitutes an unsolicited payment method may create disputes and inconsistent enforcement across different transaction types and industries

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

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