Requires cash registers used in certain businesses to visually display the amount of sale to the customer

Title of bill

An act to amend the general business law, in relation to cash registers

Purpose

To insure that cash registers used in certain business transactions visually display the amount of the sale to the customer.

Summary of provisions

Section One of the bill adds a new section, 399-i to the General Business Law stating that any cash register used by or in the operation of a business which customarily deals with consumers (other than a hotel, motel, retail licensed premises for the on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages or restaurant where a printed and itemized check is provided to the consumer before payment) shall visually display the amount of the sale in a manner readily visible to the consumer.

The bill also provides for an enforcement provision allowing the Attorney General to apply to the court for a!1 injunction to enjoin and restrain from violations of the provision. A civil penalty of$500 may also be imposed if injury or damage can be proved.

Justification

Mandating cash registers to visually display the sale amount to the consumer will help in the prevention of overcharging and other errors.

Legislative history

2001-2002: S.6069 Died in Consumer Protection. 2003-2004: S.3895 Died in Consumer Protection. 2005-2006: S.2595 Died in Rules. 2007-2008: S.2736 Died in Consumer Protection

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become law and shall apply to all cash registers installed on or after such date; provided, however that all existing cash registers shall be replaced within five years from when this act becomes law.