SB 535: Consumer protection: unfair trade practices; disclosure of automatic renewal provisions in consumer contracts; require. Amends 1976 PA 331 (MCL 445.901 - 445.922) by adding sec. 3j. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0536'25 - Michigan

As Passed by the Senate → Substitute (S-1) · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was reformatted from a standard draft to a substitute version with specific line numbers and tracking codes. The substantive legal text regarding consumer protection for automatic renewals remains largely the same, though minor wording adjustments were made to clarify cancellation mechanisms and notice requirements.

Scope change

The bill's scope and applicability remain unchanged; it continues to apply to businesses selling goods or services with automatic renewal provisions, excluding those regulated by the Public Service Commission.

TECHNICAL

The document structure was updated to include line numbers, page headers, and tracking codes (e.g., VMP, S-1) typical of legislative substitute versions, replacing the original draft formatting.

REQUIREMENT

Minor wording adjustments were made to the cancellation requirements, specifically changing the description of the 'easy-to-use mechanism' to explicitly include email addresses, mailing addresses, or toll-free numbers alongside other cost-effective methods.

The requirement for electronic notices regarding subscriptions was slightly rephrased to clarify that consumers must be notified they will continue to pay if no action is taken.

The definition of 'easy-to-use mechanism to cancel the contract' was updated to explicitly list specific examples like toll-free telephone numbers and email addresses.

Substitute (S-1) - 2 → Substitute (S-3) - 3 · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was revised to streamline cancellation requirements by removing specific address details and replacing them with a general mandate for an 'easy-to-use mechanism.' It also updated notification timing for subscriptions and added new protections to ensure consumers can cancel without penalty even after a renewal notice is sent.

REQUIREMENT

Replaced specific contact details (email, mailing address, phone) with a general requirement for an 'easy-to-use mechanism' to cancel contracts.

Changed the receipt requirement for month-to-month subscriptions to only apply if contract terms change during renewal.

Added a prohibition against failing to honor timely cancellation notices, regardless of whether the notice was received before or after the contract expiration.

TIMELINE

Added a new requirement to provide electronic notice at least 30 days and no more than 60 days before the last day to cancel.

Extended the cancellation window to allow a minimum of 30 calendar days after receiving notice to cancel the contract.

Substitute (S-3) - 2 → Substitute (S-1) - 2 · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was revised to replace vague language about 'easy-to-use' cancellation mechanisms with specific requirements for providing an email address, mailing address, toll-free number, or other cost-effective options. Additionally, the confirmation of cancellation was changed from the business providing it to the consumer receiving it promptly.

Scope change

The scope of required cancellation methods was expanded to include specific contact types (email, toll-free) and clarified the timing for receiving cancellation confirmations.

REQUIREMENT

Replaced the general requirement for an 'easy-to-use mechanism' with a specific list of required contact methods, including email addresses, mailing addresses for direct billers, and toll-free numbers.

Changed the obligation for cancellation confirmation from the business providing it to the consumer receiving it promptly.

Updated the acknowledgment requirements to explicitly mention how to cancel before a consumer pays for goods or services if a free gift or trial is included.

Substitute (S-1) → Substitute (S-3) · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was revised to streamline consumer cancellation rights by removing specific contact details (like email addresses) from the list of required cancellation methods, instead simply mandating an 'easy-to-use mechanism.' The notice requirements for renewals were tightened to specify a 30-to-60-day window for delivery, and the rules for monthly subscriptions now require receipts only when contract terms actually change. Additionally, the bill explicitly prohibits businesses from ignoring timely cancellation notices.

REQUIREMENT

Simplified the list of required cancellation methods by removing specific examples like email addresses and toll-free numbers, replacing them with a general requirement for an 'easy-to-use mechanism.'

Changed the notice timing window for automatic renewals from a vague range to a strict requirement of serving notice between 30 and 60 days before the renewal date.

Updated monthly subscription receipt rules to only require a receipt if the contract terms change during the renewal period, rather than for every charge.

Added a specific prohibition preventing businesses from failing to honor timely cancellation notices.

Extended the cancellation window in the final section to include the end of any additional renewal period, not just the initial term.

Senate Introduced Bill → As Passed by the Senate · 6 edits · Jun 25, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was amended to modernize consumer protection rules for automatic renewals by removing specific formatting requirements like '14-point type' and replacing rigid cancellation methods with broader 'easy-to-use' definitions. The changes also updated notice timing for different subscription lengths and added new exemptions for certain regulated industries.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include email addresses as a valid cancellation method and to clarify notification requirements for month-to-month and short-term trial subscriptions.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the specific requirement for '14-point type' in contract disclosures, replacing it with a general mandate for clear and conspicuous presentation.

Changed the definition of 'easy-to-use mechanism' to explicitly include email addresses and mailing addresses as valid cancellation methods.

Revised notice timing requirements to vary based on subscription length, requiring 15-45 days notice for annual plans and 3-15 days notice for short-term trials.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'clear and conspicuous' that specifically addresses audio disclosures.

ELIGIBILITY

Added an exemption for businesses offering telephone, wireless, or broadband services regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

ENFORCEMENT

Clarified that only the attorney general or a prosecuting attorney can enforce the new section.

Consumer protection: unfair trade practices; disclosure of automatic renewal provisions in consumer contracts; require. Amends 1976 PA 331 (MCL 445.901 - 445.922) by adding sec. 3j. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0536'25

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