Timeshare Transparency Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3502
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-16: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T15:18:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Timeshare Transparency Act (S. 3502)
Purpose
This legislation aims to improve transparency in timeshare sales by establishing federal requirements for agreements between timeshare companies and buyers, ensuring clearer disclosure of costs, fees, exit options, and cancellation rights.
Key Provisions
- Agreement Requirements: It is unlawful for a timeshare company and an individual to enter a timeshare agreement unless the agreement is in a single document that includes:
- An itemized list of all costs for acquiring and maintaining ownership, including ongoing fees.
- Details on any fees that the company may change, along with an explanation of the timing and method of notice for such changes.
- All available options for the individual to end ownership of the timeshare.
- A provision allowing the individual to terminate the agreement without penalty during the first 14 days after signing.
- Pre-Agreement Review: Before signing, the individual must have an unsupervised opportunity to review all related documents.
- Enforcement: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) treats violations as unfair or deceptive acts under the Federal Trade Commission Act, with the same enforcement powers, penalties, and rulemaking authority.
- Applicability: The rules apply to agreements entered into 90 days or more after the Act's enactment.
- State Authority: States may impose stricter consumer protections than those in this Act.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new federal standards for timeshare sales, which did not previously exist at this level of specificity. It expands FTC oversight by classifying certain timeshare practices as violations of unfair or deceptive acts, without altering the core structure of the Federal Trade Commission Act.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Buyers may gain better access to cost and exit information, potentially reducing unexpected fees or difficulties in terminating ownership.
- On Government Agencies: The FTC gains authority to enforce these rules through investigations, rulemaking, and penalties, increasing its regulatory workload in consumer protection.
- On International Relations: No direct effects are specified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Timeshare companies, which must update their sales processes and documentation.
- Individuals purchasing timeshares, who receive additional protections and review rights.
- The Federal Trade Commission, responsible for enforcement and rulemaking.
- State governments, which retain the ability to enact stronger consumer safeguards.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The Act relies on federal commerce authority by regulating interstate sales practices through the FTC.
- It includes a rule of construction preserving state authority, avoiding preemption of stricter state laws.
- No specific constitutional challenges or political provisions are outlined in the bill.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-16: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-12-16: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Timeshare Transparency Act — issued 2025-12-16 — PDF (5 pages)