2024 -- H 7089

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LC003297

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS --

UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES

     Introduced By: Representatives Noret, and Casimiro

     Date Introduced: January 10, 2024

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 6-13 of the General Laws entitled "Unfair Sales Practices" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     6-13-22. Digital coupons.

     (a) Any business entity that is selling or offering goods for sale or services to a consumer,

in-person or online, at retail that offers digital coupons shall make available to a consumer a paper

coupon of equal or identical value.

     (b) A digital coupon for the purposes of this section shall be defined as a store coupon,

rebate, or similar instrument that is offered to a consumer through an online platform, including,

but not limited to, an app, website, or similar Internet forum.

     (c) A violation of this section shall be subject to a two thousand five hundred dollar

($2,500) civil fine, for a first offense and a second and subsequent offenses shall be subject to a

five thousand dollar ($5,000) civil fine.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on December 31, 2024.

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LC003297

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS --

UNFAIR SALES PRACTICES

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     This act would require that a business entity that is selling goods or services at retail

offering a digital coupon to a consumer would also have to offer a paper coupon of identical value.

A violation of this provision would result in a civil fine of $2,500 for a first offense and $5,000 for

a second and subsequent offense.

     This act would take effect on December 31, 2024.

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LC003297

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