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HB 2384

An Act amending the act of December 17, 1968 (P.L.1224, No.387), known as the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, further providing for definitions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Bizzarro and 20 co-sponsors

HB 2384 updates UTPCPL by clarifying definitions of unfair or deceptive acts, potentially widening or narrowing covered conduct to strengthen consumer protection.

Referred to Commerce
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2384

Summary of HB 2384 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Overview

HB 2384 proposes amendments to the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL), originally enacted as part of the act of December 17, 1968 (P.L.1224, No.387). The bill seeks to clarify or expand definitions within the UTPCPL to enhance consumer protection and regulate unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Current Status: Referred to the Committee on Commerce (as of 2026-04-15)
  • Primary Sponsors: A broad group of co-sponsors including Liz Hanbidge, John Inglis, Bob Freeman, Ben Waxman, Ryan Bizzarro, Jim Haddock, Jim Prokopiak, Nikki Rivera, Danielle Otten, Dan Williams, Darisha Parker, Mary Isaacson, Ben Sanchez, Bob Merski, Joe Ciresi, Carol Hill-Evans, Tina Marie Davis, among others.

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to update and refine the UTPCPL’s definitions to improve enforcement, align with contemporary market practices, and strengthen protections for consumers and competitive business practices in Pennsylvania. While the exact text of the amendments is not provided here, the focus on “definitions” indicates an effort to:

  • Clarify what constitutes unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
  • Narrow or expand the scope of covered conduct.
  • Provide clearer guidance for enforcement and litigation.
  • Potentially address modern concerns such as digital marketplace conduct, data privacy, and misleading advertising.

Key Provisions (Definitional Changes)

Given that HB 2384 centers on “definitions,” anticipated areas likely addressed include:

  • Definitions of Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices: Clarifying what behaviors constitute unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive acts or practices, including examples or specific criteria.
  • Advertising and Marketing Practices: Definitional refinements for misrepresentation, omission, or concealment in advertising.
  • Consumer and Business Conduct Standards: Clearer definitions of obligations for sellers, advertisers, and marketplace participants.
  • Product and Service Representation: Standards for truthfulness in labeling, pricing, warranties, and disclosures.
  • Digital and Online Conduct (potentially): If modernized, definitions may cover online advertising, influencer endorsements, privacy disclosures, and data collection practices.

Note: The precise definitional amendments would be in the bill’s text. The summary reflects typical UTPCPL definitional updates found in similar reform proposals.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Consumers: Enhanced protection against deceptive practices and misleading conduct.
  • Businesses and Advertisers: Clearer rules and potential compliance requirements; potential changes to advertising, labeling, pricing, and disclosures.
  • Enforcement Agencies: Guidance for investigating UTPCPL violations; potential changes to enforcement priorities and procedures.
  • Judiciary: Interpretive clarity for courts when determining what constitutes unfair or deceptive practices.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Committee Action: As of 2026-04-15, HB 2384 has been referred to the House Committee on Commerce.
  • Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor consideration in the Pennsylvania House, followed by passage to the Senate and eventual signing by the Governor or veto/override proceedings as applicable.
  • Effective Date: The bill’s text would specify effective dates for any new definitions and conformity requirements; absent explicit dates here, many UTPCPL amendments take effect upon enactment or specified future dates.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Consumer Protection Strengthening: By clarifying definitions, enforcement can be more consistent, reducing ambiguity for consumers and businesses.
  • Business Compliance: Institutions may need to adjust marketing, labeling, and disclosure practices to align with clarified standards.
  • Litigation and Enforcement: Clearer definitions may influence the likelihood of successful UTPCPL claims and defenses, potentially affecting dama­ges, attorney’s fees, and settlement dynamics.
  • Policy Objective: Reflects ongoing legislative effort in Pennsylvania to keep consumer protection laws current with market evolution and commerce practices.

If you’d like, I can pull the full text of HB 2384 or provide a side-by-side comparison with the current UTPCPL definitions to highlight exact changes and their practical implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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