General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6856 seeks to establish regulations for vendor practices during abnormal economic disruptions, focusing on consumer product pricing and transparency. Effective July 1, 2025, the bill prohibits vendors from reducing the quantity, amount, weight, or size of consumer products without either lowering the price accordingly or providing clear disclosures about the changes. Violations of these provisions will be classified as unfair or deceptive trade practices, with the Attorney General granted exclusive enforcement authority, including the ability to conduct investigations and take necessary actions. The bill also introduces new definitions related to "abnormal economic disruption," "consumer necessity," and "precipitating event," which will assist the Attorney General in issuing relevant notices.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing language regarding price increases during emergencies by replacing "person, firm or corporation" with "vendor" and clarifying conditions for excessive price increases. It repeals subsection (b) of section 51-164n, which previously outlined various violations, and replaces it with a comprehensive list of violations under the Attorney General's enforcement authority. This aims to streamline enforcement and enhance consumer protection. The bill's changes are designed to ensure fair pricing practices and improve transparency in the marketplace, with a focus on protecting consumers during economic disruptions.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 42-230