Bill > H226

This bill amends Chapter 93A of the General Laws, which deals with consumer protection, to prohibit misrepresenting the geographical location of certain businesses in telephone directories or other directory assistance databases. Specifically, it targets businesses that earn at least half of their income from selling flowers or floral arrangements. A misrepresentation occurs if a business's name suggests it's in a particular area, but it's actually located elsewhere, fails to clearly state its municipality and state, and calls to its listed local number are routinely forwarded outside the directory's service area. However, businesses can still list themselves in an area different from their actual location if they provide a clear notice of their true municipality and state. This provision does not apply to the publishers of directories or directory assistance providers themselves, and any violation is considered a deceptive business practice, subject to existing consumer protection remedies.