H.B. 529 Summary

• Prohibits suppliers from charging a consumer's account for unsolicited offers of goods, services, or memberships without first obtaining express written authorization signed by the consumer.

• Requires express written authorization to include at least eight specific pieces of information in 10-point font: supplier name, contact information, itemized prices/fees, transaction date, last four digits of account number, detailed product description, refund/cancellation policies, and consumer consent to be charged.

• Specifies that negative option offers, free-to-pay conversion offers, pre-acquired account information, or previous transaction authorizations do not constitute valid express written authorization for new charges.

• Permits consumers to recover up to three times the unauthorized charge amount in individual actions, or damages in class actions; allows punitive damages if supplier knowingly violated the requirement.

• Establishes a four-year statute of limitations for consumer actions based on unauthorized charges, and allows the attorney general to impose civil penalties up to $25,000 for violations.