Consumer protection: unfair trade practices; disclosure of automatic renewal provisions in consumer contracts; require. Amends sec. 3 of 1976 PA 331 (MCL 445.903). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0535'25

SB 536 amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to require clear, conspicuous disclosure of conditions when businesses advertise goods or services as "free" or without charge. This specifically targets deceptive marketing practices by mandating that any terms, prerequisites, or conditions for receiving free offers must be disclosed prominently alongside the "free" claim (as added under subdivision (r) of Section 3). The bill directly affects businesses - such as subscription services, trials, or promotional offers - that use "free" language without clarifying requirements like payment, sign-up fees, or automatic renewal terms. It strengthens existing protections by making it unlawful to mislead consumers about the true cost or conditions of "free" offers.