HB 2940 would create a new consumer-fraud-related prohibition governing how prices for goods and services are advertised and displayed in Arizona. It requires businesses to include all mandatory fees or charges in the advertised price and to provide a clear receipt-based refund process, including whether the full amount paid may be refunded and the applicable timeframe. The bill defines mandatory fees broadly, but excludes government-imposed taxes.
The bill also adds two more pricing restrictions. First, if the governor declares a state of emergency, prices for goods or services could not increase by more than 10% from the price immediately before the emergency declaration. Second, businesses would be prohibited from using digital shelf labels, including digital price tags or similar remotely changeable display technology.
Impact
HB 2940 would amend Title 44, Chapter 10, Article 7 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section to the state’s consumer fraud laws. Violations would be treated as an unlawful practice under existing consumer protection provisions, allowing the Attorney General to investigate, seek injunctive relief, and pursue enforcement actions. The bill also establishes a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation. Its practical effect would be to regulate retail pricing disclosures, restrict dynamic digital pricing displays, and limit emergency-period price increases for covered goods and services.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcripts or recorded votes, so there is no direct evidence of debate, amendments, or formal support/opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears consumer-protection oriented, with a focus on price transparency and anti-gouging measures. The absence of voting history or hearing discussion means the overall sentiment cannot be measured from the provided context.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are likely to be the breadth of the pricing rules and the operational burden on businesses. Retailers and service providers may object to the requirement to bundle mandatory fees into advertised prices, the emergency price cap, and especially the blanket ban on digital shelf labels, which could affect pricing flexibility and store operations. Supporters would likely emphasize consumer transparency, protection from hidden fees, and limits on price spikes during emergencies. No specific stakeholder positions are documented in the provided materials.