Bill > HB2481

This bill, titled the "Fair Pricing and Transparency Act," aims to prevent retailers from charging different prices for the same goods based on individual consumer data or real-time demand, a practice known as surveillance-based price discrimination and surge pricing. It defines "surveillance pricing" as using personal information, browsing history, or purchasing behavior to alter prices for specific shoppers, and "surge pricing" as increasing prices based on demand or willingness to pay rather than actual costs. The bill mandates that prices for goods must be clearly posted and prohibits retailers from using these discriminatory pricing methods, with an exception for uniformly offered discounts or loyalty programs where collected data isn't used to personalize prices. Furthermore, it imposes a moratorium, until January 1, 2030, on the use of electronic shelf label systems in retail locations of 15,000 square feet or larger, which are technologies that can dynamically change prices and potentially collect consumer data. The legislature intends for these provisions to ensure fairness and transparency in grocery pricing, and a new section requires the department to study the impact of electronic shelf label systems on pricing transparency and job security, with a report due by June 30, 2029.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2481&Year=2025&Initiative=false