Nangle decries federal court blocking implementation of FTC’s ‘click-to-cancel’ rule

AUGUSTA – Last week the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit blocked the implementation of the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule, citing procedural errors it said the agency made.

The rule aimed to make it easier for Americans to cancel unwanted subscriptions and protect consumers from charges they did not authorize.

State Senator Tim Nangle, D-Windham, released the following statement after he championed state legislation earlier this year to enshrine provisions similar to “click-to-cancel” in Maine law.

“Too many companies count on confusion and delay to keep people locked into services they don’t want and extract more money from them,” Nangle said. “The federal 'Click to Cancel' rule marked a meaningful step forward that aimed to protect consumers and save their hard-earned dollars. This week’s action in the federal courts that blocked implementation of the rule on a procedural technicality is exactly why I introduced legislation to enshrine similar "Click to Cancel" provisions into Maine law.”

He said that he’s proud that his Maine bill was passed this session.

“When the law takes effect, Maine people who sign up for a service online will be able to cancel online, no tricks, no runaround,” Nangle said. “Mainers deserve a system that’s honest, simple and puts them back in control of their own money. Regardless of what happens at the federal level, we secured a win for transparency and fairness in the Maine Legislature.”

Nangle’s bill LD 1642 was introduced in the 132nd Legislature and was signed by Maine Gov. Janet Mills on June 20 and will apply to automatic subscriptions and health club memberships. 

The new law strengthens consumer protection in Maine by requiring:

** Clear disclosure of subscription or membership terms before enrollment

** Affirmative consent before charging for automatic renewals

** Online cancellation using the same method as sign-up

** Advance notice before long-term renewals.

As non-emergency legislation, the bill will take effect on Sept. 24, 2025, some 90 days after the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned sine die. <