Bill Text: PA HB1494 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Further providing for the definition of "unfair methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive acts or practices."

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-05-09 - Referred to CONSUMER AFFAIRS [HB1494 Detail]

Download: Pennsylvania-2011-HB1494-Introduced.html

---

PRINTER'S NO. 1798
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1494 Session of2011
INTRODUCED BY MOUL, BISHOP, BOBACK, CALTAGIRONE, COHEN, D. COSTA, CREIGHTON, DONATUCCI, FARRY, GABLER, GEIST, GINGRICH, JOSEPHS, MILLER, MURT, READSHAW, STABACK AND SWANGER, MAY 9, 2011
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS, MAY 9, 2011
AN ACT
Amending the act of December 17, 1968 (P.L.1224, No.387),
entitled "An act prohibiting unfair methods of competition
and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of
any trade or commerce, giving the Attorney General and
District Attorneys certain powers and duties and providing
penalties," further providing for the definition of "unfair
methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive acts or
practices."
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The definition of "unfair methods of competition"
and "unfair or deceptive acts or practices" in section 2(4) of
the act of December 17, 1968 (P.L.1224, No.387), known as the
Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, reenacted
and amended November 24, 1976 (P.L.1166, No.260), is amended by
adding subclauses to read:
Section 2. Definitions.--As used in this act.
* * *
(4) "Unfair methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive
acts or practices" mean any one or more of the following:
* * *
(ix.1) Advertising goods or services using a promotional
price that does not:
(A) Include the total costs associated with the goods or
services, including applicable taxes, fees or other related
charges in the same style, type font and size as the promotional
price.
(B) Specify the regular price of the goods or services.
* * *
(xx.1) Render any billing to a customer that includes fees,
penalties or other charges that have not been disclosed to the
customer prior to the billing in accordance with all of the
following:
(1) In writing, in at least a fourteen-point bold face type
font.
(2) Detailing the nature of the fee, penalty or charge and
whether the fee, penalty or charge is mandated by a governmental
or regulatory body.
(3) Be provided at least sixty days prior to billing the
customer.
(xx.2) Offer contracted services that do not specify the
total costs associated with the contracted services, including
taxes, fees, surcharges or equipment charges. The requirements
under this subclause shall be enumerated on the first page of a
written contract and shall be in at least a fourteen-point bold
face type font.
* * *
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
20110HB1494PN1798 - 2 -