Requires signs to be posted at gasoline stations for consumers to contact the department of state regarding price or product problems

BILL NUMBER:S7422

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law and the executive law, in relation to protecting consumers from price gouging and product tampering of gasoline

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this bill is provide consumers with a convenient and accessible means of filing complaints regarding the practices of motor fuel dealers.

Summary of provisions

Section one of the bill amends subdivision 5 of section 192 of the Agriculture and Markets Law to require motor vehicle fuel dealers to post on dispensing devices a notice containing a toll- free consumer complaint hotline.

Section two of the bill provides that the toll-free hotline shall be established and maintained by the Department of Law.

Justification

With the consistent rise of gas prices there is an added need for consumers to feel they are still receiving an adequate product that has been priced at a fair market value and has not been physically tampered with. Consumers should know how and where to complain if they feel their rights have been violated, and this information should be readily available to consumers at the place of purchase/service.

Prior legislative history

S.2649 02/26/09 Referred to Consumer Protection 01/06/10 Referred to Consumer Protection 05/09/08 Referred to Consumer Protection 03/09/11 referred to consumer affairs and protection 01/04/12 referred to consumer affairs and protection 03/15/12 amend and recommit to consumer affairs and protection 03/15/12 print number 6173a 05/21/12 amend and recommit to consumer affairs and protection 05/21/12 print number 6173b 05/31/12 reported referred to codes 06/11/12 reported referred to rules

Fiscal implications

To Be Determined.

Effective date

April 14, 2014.