WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1022

Consumer protection; automatic renewal or continuous service offers, disclosure and cancellation.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Laura Jane Cohen and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill requires businesses to clearly disclose subscription terms upfront and provide hassle-free cancellation options matching enrollment ease to protect consumers from predatory auto-renewal practices.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 931 (effective 7/1/2026)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1022

Legislative bill overview

HB 1022 establishes consumer protection requirements for businesses offering automatic renewal or continuous service subscriptions in Virginia. The bill mandates clear disclosure of material terms before charging consumers and requires simple cancellation mechanisms that match the ease of enrollment.

Why is this important

Automatic renewal schemes have generated thousands of consumer complaints and millions in refunds, as many customers unknowingly continue paying for subscriptions they forgot about or no longer want. This legislation directly addresses predatory billing practices by shifting burden to businesses to obtain informed consent and provide straightforward opt-out options.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Companies argue implementation expenses for revised billing systems, customer service infrastructure, and compliance monitoring will increase operational overhead and potentially raise prices for consumers
  • Scope and definition disputes: Questions remain about which services qualify as "automatic renewals" (e.g., do utility services, insurance policies, or gym memberships with automatic drafts count?) and whether the bill covers all business models equally
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Unclear whether enforcement falls to state Attorney General, private lawsuits, or both—potentially creating litigation exposure or leaving consumer complaints unaddressed if enforcement resources are insufficient

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

Sign in to ask a question.