Yang Rohr Bill Addresses Digital Coupon Frustrations, Passes the House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, has passed legislation out of the House designed to provide consumer protection by ensuring consumers receive advertised prices and have access to store promotions.

“For families across the state, money is tight and expenses are high,” said Yang Rohr. “People are looking for ways to save money, and that’s why I introduced this legislation. It will save consumers money by guaranteeing that they have access to digital promotions while in the store.”

House Bill 45 will require retail establishments to honor their digital promotions and make them more accessible in-store to eligible customers. Retail establishments may use several different redemption methods to comply, including automatic or point-of-sale discounts, barcodes or quick response codes. 

Certain groups have particular difficulty accessing digital promotions, such as those who are visually impaired, do not have access to devices, or that are not technologically adept–often senior citizens. With this legislation, they will now have more equitable access to discounts, giving them the same savings offered to all consumers. 

“Dealing with digital coupons can be a hassle. Trying to navigate the app, find the right deal, and electronically clip the coupon is frustrating – and that’s if you manage to get internet service in these big box stores,” said Yang Rohr. “With this legislation, we’re saving customers time and money by having retailers offer practical, non-digital redemption options that are easily accessible.” 

House Bill 45 received bipartisan support, and it now moves to the Senate.