HB0451 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB094 06710 RXD 36807 b

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2005 and 2006
HB0451

Introduced 1/26/2005, by Rep. Kevin Joyce

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

815 ILCS 505/2VV new

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Provides that, if a grocery store offers a reduced price on an item to consumers who present discount cards, it must also offer the same reduced price on that item to a consumer who does not present a discount card but pays for the item with a Link Card or other access device issued by a government agency to recipients of food stamp benefits or other assistance. Provides that a violation is an unlawful practice within the meaning of the Act. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning business.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act is amended by adding Section 2VV as follows:

(815 ILCS 505/2VV new)

Sec. 2VV. Link Cards; discount cards.

(a) As used in this Section:

"Grocery store" means a store or a department within a general merchandise store that is engaged in the retail sale of packaged food directly to the consumer for off-premises consumption. "Grocery store" does not include a store that is engaged primarily in the sale of food prepared for consumption:

(1) on the premises; or

(2) after removal from the premises on a "take out" basis.

"Discount card" means a card that a grocery store issues without a fee to any consumer upon request that may be presented by the consumer to purchase certain items at a reduced price in the grocery store. "Discount card" does not include a card that is issued only upon payment of a fee.

(b) If a grocery store offers a reduced price on an item to consumers who present discount cards, it must also offer the same reduced price on that item to a consumer who does not present a discount card but pays for the item with a Link Card or other access device issued by a government agency to recipients of food stamp benefits or other assistance.

(c) A person who violates this Section commits an unlawful practice within the meaning of this Act.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.