SB 2685

Abstract

Creates the Retail Consumer Protection Act. Provides that all businesses engaged in retail commerce shall have a designated employee who has the responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of all posted and advertised prices. Provides that the person designated for ensuring the accuracy of all posted and advertised prices shall keep a written record of any customer complaints received concerning any overcharging or other acts of consumer fraud, unfair methods of competition, and deceptive business practices. Requires the record to be kept for no less than 2 years and made available to investigators of the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Weights and Measures upon request. Provides that any person engaged in retail commerce that is alerted by a customer of any overcharging shall immediately report the overcharge to the person designated for ensuring the accuracy of posted and advertised prices, who shall investigate the alleged error. Provides that, if the customer was charged more than the advertised or posted price, and the value of the item in question was less than $3, the customer shall be given the item for free. Provides that, if the value of the item in question was $3 or more, the customer shall be sold the item at the correct price and $3 shall be deducted from the price charged. Requires the designated person to ensure that the correct price is posted and programmed into all payment systems within 30 minutes of receiving a customer complaint. Establishes penalties. Provides that the Director shall provide an annual written report to the Attorney General and the Governor describing the activities undertaken by himself or herself and any city sealers to implement the Act, and any substitute local ordinances. Amends the Weights and Measures Act to grant city sealers the powers established in the Retail Consumer Protection Act.