The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 6-13, titled "Unfair Sales Practices," to introduce new definitions and regulations regarding pricing and discounts in retail sales. It defines "digital coupon" as any store coupon, rebate, or similar instrument presented solely through the Internet and obtainable only through a consumer's personal computing device, providing a discounted price or benefit redeemable at the physical location where the goods or services are sold.
The bill mandates that whenever food and related items are advertised for sale at or below the regular price through the redemption of a digital coupon, retailers must provide an alternative method for customers to access the same discounted price or benefit without requiring the use of a personal computing device. These alternative methods may include paper coupons, electronic kiosks, or applying the discounted price at the point-of-sale upon the consumer's request. Such in-store alternatives must be readily available and easily accessible to consumers.
The bill includes a severability clause, stating that if any portion of the section is found unlawful, it will not affect the remaining provisions. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Statutes affected: 770: 6-13-1, 6-13-11