Bill > LD1907

This bill amends the Unfair Sales Act to introduce new regulations on dynamic pricing in grocery stores, which is defined as using software to change product prices on electronic shelf labels. The bill specifically targets large grocery store chains with 15 or more national locations and prohibits them from changing prices more than once in a 48-hour period during emergencies like severe weather, natural disasters, or supply chain disruptions that could cause sudden increases in demand. Outside of these emergency situations, grocery stores can use dynamic pricing, but they must provide conspicuous signage that explains how dynamic pricing works, what factors influence price changes, and that excessive dynamic pricing during emergencies is considered an unfair trade practice. The bill defines key terms such as "electronic shelf label" and "grocery store" and establishes that violations of these provisions will be treated as unfair trade practices, which can be subject to penalties under the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act. The goal of the legislation appears to be protecting consumers from potentially exploitative pricing during times of crisis or increased demand.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1907&snum=132