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Bill

Bill

S 2142

Requires issuance of raincheck for unavailable good or service advertised by digital coupon.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Vin Gopal and 1 co-sponsor

Retailers must issue rainchecks when digital coupon items are unavailable, extending consumer protections from traditional sales to online promotions.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2142

Legislative bill overview

S 2142 requires retailers to issue rainchecks when goods or services advertised through digital coupons are unavailable for purchase. The bill extends existing raincheck protections—traditionally applied to in-store advertised sales—to digital coupon offerings, ensuring consumers can still obtain the advertised discount at a later date.

Why is this important

As digital couponing becomes increasingly common, this bill addresses a consumer protection gap where retailers could advertise digital deals without obligation to fulfill them if inventory runs out. It standardizes consumer expectations and prevents retailers from using digital promotions merely as loss-leaders without accountability.

Potential points of contention

  • Retailer compliance costs: Retailers argue tracking and issuing rainchecks for digital coupons creates administrative burden, especially for high-volume promotions across multiple locations
  • Digital coupon distinction: Unlike physical in-store ads, digital coupons are often targeted and time-limited; requiring rainchecks may fundamentally change how retailers design promotional campaigns
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill may need clarification on what constitutes an "advertised" digital coupon versus general promotional material, and whether rainchecks apply to flash sales or limited-quantity offers

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

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