SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton would require clear notice to be given to consumers before they enter contracts that automatically renew.

“There are many situations where a consumer enters into a contract with a business where the contract automatically renews,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “A lack of transparency from these businesses allows them to take advantage of consumers. We as their elected officials must take action to protect them and their hard earned money.”

Glowiak Hilton’s measure would requires clear and conspicuous disclosure of a contract’s automatic renewal terms, including that the contract will continue until the consumer cancels, the deadline to cancel before being charged for the renewal, the amount of recurring charges, and the length of the renewal terms.

“By giving consumers the resources they need to cancel subscriptions, we are giving them the opportunity to save their time and money,” said Glowiak Hilton. “Every business should give consumers the accurate information they need in regards to the services they provide.”

Senate Bill 328 passed the Senate Thursday and now heads to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton to prohibit “spoof” calling – a misleading tactic call scammers use to disguise their caller ID – advanced out of the Senate Thursday.

“Time and again, residents are faced with harassment from scammers,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “We need to protect our residents from these malicious calls.”

Senate Bill 160 prohibits spoof calls – and would no longer allow people to use a fake caller ID. The measure would also require automated telemarketers to state the organization they represent, the purpose of the call and require them to confirm that the individual wants to continue with the call. If the caller refuses the organization’s solicitation, the business must ensure they will not call the individual again and must take the steps necessary to remove the individual from their records.

“Consumers should have the right to know who is on the other end of the phone,” said Glowiak Hilton. “We need to take action on businesses that mislead people, and give individuals the ability to give proper consent to a solicitation.”

The measure passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further consideration.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading a measure that would ensure Illinois schools would allow articles of clothing that have cultural or religious significance for its students.

“We need to make sure future graduates and students have the opportunity to represent themselves the way they see fit,” said Glowiak Hilton. “Discrimination, of any kind, has no place in our schools.”

Students would be able to wear articles of clothing of cultural or religious significance in the classroom and at graduation ceremonies.

This issue was first brought to Glowiak Hilton’s attention last year, when a student was denied the ability to walk the stage of his graduation ceremony for wearing Native American regalia on his graduation cap.

Senate Bill 1446 passed the Human Rights committee on Thursday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton would require clear notice to be given to consumers before they enter contracts that automatically renew.

“From streaming services to cell phone contracts, contracts are regularly renewed without clear consent from consumers,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “We must ensure consumers are aware of automatic renewal commitments before accepting the terms.”

Glowiak Hilton’s measure would require businesses to give notice to consumers before a contract renews. It would also allow consumers to terminate automatic renewal contracts more easily by phone or online – something that is often not offered by companies. Businesses that offer free trials or reduced one-time offers must also provide notice before the promotional period ends.

“Businesses take advantage of the loopholes automatic subscriptions present,” said Glowiak Hilton. “Addressing these loopholes gives people assurance that they are receiving transparency when making a purchase.”

Senate Bill 328 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday and awaits further consideration.