Bill > S08416

This bill enacts the "Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable (FAIR) Business Practices Act", which expands the New York Attorney General's authority to protect individuals and businesses from unfair, deceptive, and abusive business practices. The legislation broadens the definition of unlawful business conduct by introducing two new key concepts: "unfair" and "abusive" acts, in addition to existing "deceptive" practices. An act is considered unfair if it causes substantial injury that cannot be reasonably avoided and is not outweighed by broader benefits, while an abusive act includes practices that materially interfere with a person's understanding of a product or service, or take unreasonable advantage of a person's lack of understanding, inability to protect their interests, or reasonable reliance on the business. The bill removes previous limitations that restricted the Attorney General's enforcement to only "consumer-oriented" actions, allowing protection for businesses and non-profits as well as individuals. It also enables the Attorney General to take action against businesses both within and outside of New York State, and allows individuals who have been injured by deceptive practices to sue for damages. The legislation aims to create a more comprehensive framework for consumer and business protection, recognizing that vulnerable populations like low-income communities, seniors, veterans, and immigrants are particularly susceptible to unscrupulous business practices.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8416