Bill > LD1597

This bill prohibits eating establishments and grocery stores from using dynamic pricing, which is the practice of changing product prices based on factors like demand, weather, consumer data, or artificial intelligence-enabled pricing adjustments. Specifically, the bill mandates that prices for goods must remain fixed for at least one business day and must be clearly displayed to the public through means like menus, menu boards, price tags, or labels. The bill provides several exceptions to the dynamic pricing prohibition, including standard discounts, limited-time specials like happy hour or lunch menus, and traditional market-based pricing for certain goods like seafood (with the caveat that market prices can only be set once per business day). Any violation of this pricing restriction would be considered an unfair trade practice under the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act, potentially subjecting businesses to legal penalties. The bill defines key terms such as "eating establishment" and "grocery store" by referencing existing definitions in Maine state law, and aims to provide consumer protection against rapidly fluctuating and potentially unpredictable pricing strategies.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1597&snum=132