TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Kenyatta Stewart (D-Bergen, Passaic) introduced A5354, legislation that would strengthen consumer privacy by requiring subscription service providers to delete a consumer's payment information after a subscription has been canceled. Additional prime sponsors on the bill are Assemblymembers William Sampson (D-31) and Al Abdelaziz (D-35).

The bill requires companies offering recurring subscription services to delete a consumer's stored payment method and any associated personal financial information within 30 days after receiving a request to cancel an automatically renewing subscription. Violations of the provisions in the bill would constitute an unlawful practice under New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act.

"Consumers shouldn't have to worry about companies holding onto their credit card or banking information after they've ended a service," said Assemblyman Stewart. "Once a subscription is canceled, there is no legitimate reason to retain sensitive financial information. This bill gives consumers greater control over their personal data while reducing the risk of fraud, unauthorized charges, and data breaches."

Subscription-based services have become increasingly common, spanning streaming platforms, fitness memberships, meal delivery services, software subscriptions, and countless other recurring services. While consumers often cancel these services, many companies continue to retain payment information long after the relationship has ended.

Stewart said the legislation is a commonsense consumer protection measure that aligns with growing expectations surrounding data privacy and cybersecurity.

"In today's digital economy, personal financial information is incredibly valuable and increasingly targeted by cybercriminals," Stewart added. "By requiring businesses to securely delete payment information after cancellation, we're taking a proactive step to protect New Jerseyans from unnecessary exposure and giving them greater peace of mind."

Under the bill, "subscription service" is defined as any service provided on a recurring payment basis, including weekly, monthly, or annual subscriptions. A "subscription service provider" is any person or business that sells these recurring subscription services to consumers.