Requires that digital coupons are made available to consumers in paper form of identical value; provides for violations and penalties.
Summary
S07573 would amend New York’s General Business Law to require retailers that offer digital coupons to also make available a paper coupon of identical value. The bill defines a digital coupon broadly as a store coupon, rebate, or similar offer made available through the internet. It applies to persons selling or offering goods or services at retail and is intended to ensure that consumers who cannot or do not use digital platforms can still access the same promotional discounts.
The bill also creates an enforcement mechanism. A violation of the paper-coupon requirement would be subject to civil penalties of up to $2,500 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses, enforceable by the Division of Consumer Protection. The Secretary of State would be authorized to adopt any rules and regulations needed to implement the law, and the act would take effect six months after becoming law.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new section 396-oo to the General Business Law and impose a new consumer-protection obligation on retailers and other sellers offering digital promotions. It would effectively require businesses to maintain a paper-based equivalent for internet-only coupons, potentially affecting retail advertising, coupon distribution practices, and compliance procedures. The Division of Consumer Protection would gain enforcement authority, and the Secretary of State would be responsible for implementing regulations.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the measure appears to be framed as a consumer-access and fairness proposal rather than a controversial regulatory overhaul. Its stated purpose suggests support for consumers who may be excluded by digital-only promotions, especially those without reliable internet access or who prefer paper coupons. No opposing arguments are documented in the provided record.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the burden the bill would place on retailers and coupon issuers, who would need to provide paper coupons of identical value whenever a digital coupon is offered. Businesses may view this as administratively difficult or costly, particularly for promotions designed to be internet-exclusive. On the other hand, consumer advocates would likely support the measure as a way to prevent discrimination against consumers who are less digitally connected. No formal objections or recorded supporters are included in the provided committee or voting history.
Same As
Requires that retail mercantile establishments offering digital coupons make such coupons available to consumers in paper form of identical value; provides exceptions; provides for violations and penalties.
Requires that retail mercantile establishments offering digital coupons make such coupons available to consumers in paper form of identical value; provides exceptions; provides for violations and penalties.
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