Senators Van Hollen and Clarke reintroduced a bill to protect consumers from misleading online subscriptions requiring opt-in consent.
Quiver AI Summary
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.) have reintroduced the Consumer Online Payment Transparency and Integrity (Consumer OPT-IN) Act, aimed at protecting consumers from online subscription traps. The proposed legislation seeks to require companies to change from an "opt-out" system, where consumers are automatically enrolled in subscriptions, to an "opt-in" system, where consumers must actively agree to such subscriptions. This follows a recent court ruling that nullified the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) proposed "click to cancel" rule, which would have made it easier for consumers to unsubscribe from automatic payments. The lawmakers emphasize the need for consumer protection as many individuals face challenges in cancelling unwanted subscriptions.
Van Hollen criticized corporate interests for making it easier to subscribe but difficult to unsubscribe, stating, "Our legislation puts consumers in control." Clarke highlighted the aim to eliminate recurring charges that consumers did not intend to authorize, while the legislation has garnered support from various consumer advocacy organizations. Key provisions of the Consumer OPT-IN Act include requiring clear consent for automatic renewals and offering consumers refunds when their rights are violated. The bill was initially introduced in December 2021 and aims to enhance consumer control over subscription services.
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Chris Van Hollen Bill Proposals
Here are some bills which have recently been proposed by Chris Van Hollen:
- S.2236: A bill to establish a comprehensive United States Government initiative to build the capacity of young leaders and entrepreneurs in Africa, and for other purposes.
- S.2224: A bill to amend the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act of 2019 to provide that the United States, in its role as a member of any international organizations, should oppose any attempts by the People's Republic of China to resolve Taiwan's status by distorting the decisions, language, policies, or procedures of any such organization, and for other purposes.
- S.2106: SECURE Act
- S.2058: El Salvador Accountability Act of 2025
- S.2057: Easy Enrollment in Health Care Act
- S.1932: VALID Act of 2025
You can track bills proposed by Chris Van Hollen on Quiver Quantitative's politician page for Van Hollen.
Chris Van Hollen Fundraising
Chris Van Hollen recently disclosed $61.8K of fundraising in a Q1 FEC disclosure filed on April 15th, 2025. This was the 522nd most from all Q1 reports we have seen this year. 83.8% came from individual donors.
Van Hollen disclosed $67.6K of spending. This was the 522nd most from all Q1 reports we have seen from politicians so far this year.
Van Hollen disclosed $2.0M of cash on hand at the end of the filing period. This was the 136th most from all Q1 reports we have seen this year.
You can see the disclosure here, or track Chris Van Hollen's fundraising on Quiver Quantitative.
