Senate Bill S3543

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S3543

SPONSOR: BORRELLO
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the general business law, in relation to requiring
grocery stores that offer digital coupons automatically apply such
coupons for senior citizens and loyalty or rewards program members

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This bill would require grocery stores that offer digital coupons auto-
matically apply such coupon for senior citizens.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: The general business law is amended by adding a new section
396-ccc which states that any grocery store that offers digital coupons
shall, at the point of sale, automatically apply any such digital
coupons which apply to a specific product being purchased at the regis-
ter for senior citizens and members of a loyalty or rewards program. The
new section further defines the following terms:
              

(a) "Digital coupon" means any coupon offered by a grocery store in an
electronic format through its website or mobile application, including,
but not limited to, digital coupons offered pursuant to a loyalty or
rewards program.

(b) "Grocery store" shall have the same meaning as such term is defined
in subdivision thirteen of section three of the alcoholic beverage
control law.

(c) "Loyalty or rewards program" means any system, program, contract, or
agreement offered by a grocery store that provides benefits to returning
customers.

(d) "Senior citizen" means any person age sixty-five or older.

Section 2: This act shall take effect immediately.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

A senior citizen who uses a flip phone instead of a smartphone may be
unable to enroll in and register for different loyalty or rewards
programs. Consequently, these seniors may miss out on the discounts and
coupons available to smartphone users.

This piece of legislation would make accessing discounts easier for
senior citizens and members of loyalty or rewards programs.  Automat-
ically applying digital coupons at the point of sale means customers
don't have to remember to manually activate or present coupons during
checkout, streamlining the shopping experience.

Senior citizens, who may be on fixed incomes, and who frequently shop at
the store and participate in its loyalty programs would benefit from
discounts without having to jump through additional hoops. This promotes
equity by ensuring that senior citizens have access to the same cost-
saving opportunities as shoppers with a smartphone.

By making the coupon redemption process seamless and hassle-free, the
bill could enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Customers are more
likely to continue shopping at a store that offers convenient ways to
save money and value their patronage.

In general, this legislation strives to enhance the accessibility, fair-
ness, and convenience of grocery shopping for senior citizens and
devoted loyalty and reward members, potentially fostering favorable
results for both individuals and communities alike.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2024: S8864 Referred to Consumer Protection

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.