Senate Passes Senator Fuschillo's Legislation Creating Uniform Statewide Rebate Policy

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District), Chairman of the Senate’s Consumer Protection Committee, announced Senate passage of legislation he sponsored that would create a uniform, statewide policy for businesses to adhere to when issuing rebates.

"Applying for a rebate is often like trying to navigate through a maze, and because of this lengthy and confusing process, many consumers are not taking advantage of the discounts to which they are entitled. If businesses are truly interested in giving a discount, they should make sure that their customers can easily understand the redemption requirements," said Senator Fuschillo.

Senator Fuschillo’s legislation would simplify the rebate process by requiring stores to make all application forms readily available to customers at the time of purchase or provide them directly with the product. Under the provisions of this legislation, retailers must also give consumers a minimum of fourteen days to apply for the rebate after making their purchase, and provide rebates within sixty days of receiving a redemption form.

"By requiring stores to make rebate forms available at the time of purchase, consumers will be able to more easily take advantage of the savings to which they are entitled," Senator Fuschillo added.

"This Legislation will assist consumers by streamlining the redemption process with regard to rebates. We support this important measure to curtail potentially deceptive trade practices," stated Roger C. Bogsted, Commissioner of the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs.

Sale prices, instant rebates given to the consumer at the time of purchase and rebates automatically granted following a purchase would be exempt from the provisions of this bill. Stores that violate this policy would face fines of up to $1000.

The legislation has been sent to the Assembly.

---

TO SEND AN EMAIL TO SENATOR FUSCHILLO, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE REGULAR UPDATES FROM SENATOR FUSCHILLO, PLEASE CLICK HERE.