SPRINGFIELD — Subscription services often make canceling an active subscription difficult and convoluted in order to make customers give up or forget canceling the service. To combat this practice, State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation designed to protect Illinois consumers from hidden fees and confusing subscription contracts.

“Everyone knows this feeling ─ you decide it’s finally time to cancel that subscription you haven’t used in months, expecting it to be a simple press of a button,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Suddenly, you need a password from 2007, your childhood pet’s middle name and the patience of a saint just to ensure you don’t keep getting charged for something you don’t want.”

Senate Bill 3562 would give consumers clear, retainable disclosures before subscriptions are activated. It would also guarantee that cancellations can be completed easily—online or in the same way the consumer signed up—and would ensure companies provide timely notice for any price increases or changes to contract terms.

“Whether it’s ten or twenty dollars a month, it adds up,” said Hastings. “This bill makes it easier for consumers to manage their subscriptions and cancel stress-free whenever they choose.”

Senate Bill 3562 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support.