A new law in California

California’s new auto-renewal law (AB 2863) gives you stronger protections against automatic charges from subscriptions and free trials that quietly turn into paid plans.

Here’s what you should look for:

• Before you hand over your payment info, even for a free trial, businesses must clearly explain how long the trial lasts, what you’ll be charged after it ends and how often you’ll be billed.

• You must actively agree to the auto-renewal terms before any charges are made. And you must get a post-signup confirmation.

• Canceling must be easy. If you’re in a long-term subscription, the company must remind you once a year that it’s still active and tell you how to cancel.

If you feel a company is in violation of the law, contact Marin District Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Unit’s Michael Wear by emailing consumer@marincounty.gov or calling 415-473-6047.