What's happening
This bill requires businesses to let consumers cancel contracts using the same method they used to enter them, such as online or in writing.
Why it matters
Empowers consumers to avoid “traps” or delays. frequently created by businesses that make it easier to sign up for services than to cancel them, reducing frustration and unfair retention tactics.
Promotes fairness and transparency. by ensuring that the cancellation process matches the ease and convenience of the sign-up process, which could especially benefit people who prefer online or remote transactions.
Could lead to improved business practices. as companies may need to upgrade their systems or customer service to comply, potentially reducing deceptive or obstructive cancellation procedures.
Applies to a wide range of contracts. (unless other laws say otherwise), meaning consumers in many sectors—from gyms to streaming services—would enjoy more straightforward ways to end unwanted agreements.
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Who cares
Consumers with business contracts
They would be allowed to cancel using the same method they used to enter the contract, unless otherwise authorized by law, rule or regulation.
Businesses that contract with consumers
They would need to allow same-method cancellation, subject to exceptions authorized by law, rule or regulation.
Businesses offering online contracts
They would need to allow online cancellation for contracts entered into online, unless otherwise authorized by law, rule or regulation.
Headline styles
Let Consumers Cancel Easily
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
13 Co-sponsors
3 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to consumer affairs and protection
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Let Consumers Cancel Easily
In Senate Committee · Consumer Protection · Sponsor Leroy Comrie
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
10032
IN ASSEMBLY
March 7, 2018
Introduced by M. of A. DINOWITZ, GOTTFRIED, GALEF, ZEBROWSKI, ENGLE- BRIGHT, GLICK, SEAWRIGHT, CAHILL, COLTON, GUNTHER, BARRON, DICKENS, SEPULVEDA -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. DenDEKKER, D'URSO -- read once and referred to the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection
AN ACT to amend the general business law, in relation to methods for cancelling contracts
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The general business law is amended by adding a new section 391-u to read as follows:
§ 391-u. Method for contract cancellation. Unless otherwise authorized by law, rule, or regulation, any business that contracts with a consumer shall allow such consumer to cancel such contract using the same method that the business and consumer used to enter such contract, including but not limited to, in writing or online.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD14807-01-8
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.