Rhode Island House Bill H5247

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/31/25

Caption

Provide that advertising goods that don't include a price referencing all mandatory fees and charges shall be a deceptive trade practice.

Impact

This bill is likely to have a significant impact on advertising practices within the state. By mandating the inclusion of all fees in advertised prices, it aims to hold businesses accountable for providing potential customers with complete pricing information. If enacted, it could result in a shift in how retailers structure their advertisements, ensuring compliance with the new regulations or facing penalties for deceptive advertising practices. The bill is in line with broader efforts to protect consumer rights and promote fair competition among businesses.

Summary

House Bill 5247 seeks to amend existing regulations on deceptive trade practices within the realm of commercial law in the state of Rhode Island. The primary intent of the bill is to ensure that advertisements for goods and services include clear disclosures of all mandatory fees and charges, as failing to do so would be classified as a deceptive trade practice. The legislative proposal makes it a requirement for retailers to present the net price of items along with any applicable fees, effectively aiming to enhance transparency for consumers during their purchasing decisions.

Contention

Despite the bill's consumer protection goals, it may face opposition from various business associations concerned about the regulatory burden it may impose. Critics might argue that the additional requirements for price disclosures could complicate the advertising process and increase operational costs for retailers. There may also be concerns among legislators regarding the impact of such regulations on small businesses, which might struggle to adapt to these new requirements compared to larger entities better equipped to deal with compliance issues.