Bill > H0371

This bill proposes a temporary moratorium on the use of electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and dynamic pricing by retailers in Vermont until January 15, 2027. The bill defines several key terms, including "dynamic pricing" as the use of artificial intelligence to adjust product prices in real-time, and "electronic shelf labels" as digital wireless display systems showing product prices. During the moratorium, retailers are prohibited from using ESLs or dynamic pricing to display or change consumer commodity prices at points of sale. The Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets is required to submit a comprehensive report by January 15, 2026, examining how ESLs and dynamic pricing work, reviewing national standards for their regulation, and recommending consumer protection strategies. After the moratorium expires on January 16, 2027, the bill will allow retailers to use ESLs with some restrictions, such as prohibiting price changes while the store is open to the public and requiring at least 24 hours between price alterations. The legislation aims to study and potentially regulate emerging pricing technologies to protect consumers from potentially unfair pricing practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.371