Governor's Bill No. 1248 seeks to enhance consumer protections by establishing clear guidelines for businesses that offer consumer goods and services, effective July 1, 2026. The bill prohibits businesses from advertising prices that exclude mandatory fees or costs, requiring that all fees be clearly disclosed at the time of advertisement, with exceptions for certain taxes and fees. Violations of these provisions will be classified as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding automatic renewal and continuous service agreements, removing the requirement for a toll-free number for consumers to prevent automatic renewals and allowing electronic communication instead. Businesses must disclose terms related to automatic renewals and obtain affirmative consent from consumers before charging for such services.

The bill also introduces new requirements for rental agreements, mandating that landlords include all fees and charges in the advertised rent amount, with specific exceptions. It repeals previous language that limited private rights of action, establishing that violations constitute unfair trade practices. Furthermore, the Department of Housing is tasked with publishing a standardized rental terms summary form, which must be included in rental agreements starting April 1, 2026. Violations can result in civil penalties for landlords, including a penalty equal to one month's rent. Overall, the bill aims to create a more transparent marketplace for consumers and strengthen tenant protections by ensuring clear communication and fair practices in both consumer and rental agreements.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: 42-158ff