House pauses automatic-renewal consumer-protection bill for amendments, floor debate set for next day

House Bill 107, a bill addressing automatic subscription renewals and related consumer protections, was taken up on Feb. 19, 2025. The chamber considered floor amendments and members raised concerns about small-business compliance before voting to special order the bill to the appropriate time the next day for further consideration.

Key points: the floor recorded two adopted amendments described on the record: a technical amendment and a second amendment that altered the effective date, specified there would be no private right of action, and exempted certain services regulated by specific entities. The floor leader said the effective start date was moved to June 2026 to give businesses time to comply and noted similar frameworks exist in other states and at the federal level.

Concerns raised: a delegate said the bill's language on "unfair, abusive or deceptive trade practice" could create burdens for small businesses, asking for clarification and an opportunity to file a potential amendment. The floor leader responded that the framework primarily addresses automatic renewals over 30 days, requires clear cancellation pathways, and that the attorney general would have enforcement discretion.

Outcome and next steps: the House adopted the amendments and then voted to special order HB107 to the appropriate time on the next day to allow for further amendment and consideration. The bill was not finally passed on third reading during this session segment; additional debate and potential amendments were scheduled.

Ending: the bill remains on the House calendar with a later floor consideration scheduled; members asked for time to craft additional amendments.