New Hampshire Senate Bill SB355

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/17/21
• Refer: 12/17/21
• Report Pass: 2/10/22
• Engrossed: 3/23/22
• Refer: 3/23/22
• Report Pass: 4/28/22

Caption

Requiring online marketplaces to disclose certain information to consumers.

Impact

This legislation stands to significantly alter the landscape of online commerce within the state. By implementing these requirements, SB355 aims to increase transparency in online transactions, potentially restoring consumer trust in online marketplaces. By mandating rigorous disclosure protocols, the bill could also push third-party sellers to comply with verified standards, improving overall product integrity. Moreover, it could introduce a level of accountability among sellers that has been missing in online transactions, creating a more safe and reliable shopping environment for consumers.

Summary

Senate Bill 355, an act requiring online marketplaces to disclose certain information to consumers, primarily targets high-volume third-party sellers. The bill mandates that these sellers provide critical information regarding their banking, advertising, and contact details to the platforms they use. It focuses on enhancing consumer protection by ensuring that buyers have access to seller information, which is essential for making informed purchase decisions. Failure to provide this information is classified as a violation of the consumer protection law, thus giving consumers legal grounds for recourse if they encounter deceptive practices during their online shopping experience.

Contention

However, there are notable points of contention surrounding the bill's enactment. Critics argue that the requirements may place an undue burden on small businesses operating as third-party sellers, particularly those who may struggle with compliance costs or logistical hurdles in providing the requested information. There are also concerns about privacy; sellers may be wary of disclosing personal or financial information that could be misused. Furthermore, the preemption clause within the bill restricts local jurisdictions from enforcing their own regulations concerning such disclosures, leading to debates over the effectiveness of state versus local governance in consumer protection matters.