HB4277 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB093 18256 WGH 43957 b

93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2003 and 2004
HB4277

Introduced 1/30/2004, by Jack D. Franks

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

815 ILCS 505/2QQ 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 transactions.

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 2QQ as follows:

(815 ILCS 505/2QQ new)

Sec. 2QQ. 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.