Does Connecticut require affirmative consent before charging for an auto-renewal?
Quick answer
Yes. Connecticut law (Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-158ff(c)) bars charging a customer's card or payment account for any automatic renewal or continuous service, even at a promotional or discounted price, unless the customer gave affirmative consent. A 2025 amendment adds that regulators and courts should look for a record of that consent, but the official text prints two versions.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The rule | No charge to a consumer's credit card, debit card or third-party payment account for any automatic renewal or continuous services, regardless of promotional or discounted price, unless the business obtained the consumer's affirmative consent (42-158ff(c)) | Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-158ff (2026 Supp.) |
| Consent record (P.A. 25-113) | In one version, a state agency or court "shall consider, without limitation" whether the business produced a record of the affirmative consent obtained under applicable law, including 52-570d and 53a-189 on recording telephone calls (42-158ff(c), P.A. 25-113 s. 20) | Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-158ff (2026 Supp.) |
| Two versions (flag) | The 2026 Supplement prints the P.A. 25-113 version above and, separately, the text "on and after July 1, 2026" as amended by P.A. 25-44 s. 7, whose subsection (c) does not include the consent-record sentence. We do not pick a side | Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-158ff (2026 Supp.) |
| Definition | The statute does not define "affirmative consent" | Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-158ff (2026 Supp.) |
| Before renewal | Clearly disclose that the plan renews, how to stop it, all recurring charges, the renewal term, any minimum purchase and your contact details (42-158ff(b)(1)(B)) | Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-158ff (2026 Supp.) |
| Penalty | A violation is an unfair trade practice under 42-110b (42-158ff(f), July 1, 2026 text). In an Attorney General case a court may order up to $5,000 per wilful violation (42-110o(b)); the Consumer Protection Commissioner may also impose a civil penalty up to that amount after a hearing (42-110d(d)) | Conn. Gen. Stat. ch. 735a (CUTPA) |
| Last verified | October 29, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
What counts as affirmative consent?
The statute does not define it. Keeping a dated record of how and when each customer agreed to the renewal is consistent with both printed versions of subsection (c).
Do I need to record phone sign-ups?
Neither version requires a recording by itself. The P.A. 25-113 version points to Connecticut's call-recording laws (52-570d, 53a-189) when weighing a consent record, so any recording must follow them.
Does a promo or discounted price change anything?
No. The consent rule applies "regardless of whether" the renewal is offered at a promotional or discounted price (42-158ff(c)).
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What else do people ask?
Why are there two versions?
Two 2025 acts amended the same section: P.A. 25-113 and P.A. 25-44. The 2026 Supplement prints both texts; check the current official version or ask counsel.
Who is excluded?
Some utilities and telecoms, insurers, banks and credit unions, and global or national audiovisual services (42-158ff(a)).
What is the fine?
Up to $5,000 per wilful violation in an Attorney General case (42-110o(b)).
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.