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Rhode IslandH50432025 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES .

Sponsored By: Samuel A. Azzinaro (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger protections for veterans seeking benefits help

Effective upon passage, Rhode Island bans payment for help with veterans’ VA matters unless federal law under Title 38 allows it. Paid referrals are also banned, but attorney fee-sharing allowed by ABA Model Rule 1.5(e) remains permitted. Paid helpers must follow Rhode Island attorney ethics standards on ads, client contact, privacy, care, honesty, and clients’ best interests. Unfair or deceptive conduct by people helping veterans file VA disability claims is also banned. Violators face civil penalties, and agreements that violate the veterans’ protection rules are void and cannot be enforced.

Clearer rebate prices for retail shoppers

Effective upon passage, Rhode Island sets new rules for retail ads showing a price after a manufacturer’s rebate. Retailers must disclose the rebate amount at purchase when advertising that lower price. The retailer bears responsibility for redeeming the manufacturer’s rebate. Violations are unfair or deceptive trade practices.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Samuel A. Azzinaro

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Julie A. Casimiro

    Democratic • House

  • Arthur J. Corvese

    Democratic • House

  • Deborah A. Fellela

    Democratic • House

  • Brian Patrick Kennedy

    Democratic • House

  • Patricia A. Serpa

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 178 • No: 0

House vote • 6/20/2025

DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 73 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/20/2025

RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES Passage

Yes: 35 • No: 0

House vote • 4/29/2025

DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES PASSAGE

Yes: 70 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 305

    6/30/2025Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/23/2025Governor

  3. House passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/20/2025House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/20/2025)

    6/20/2025House

  5. Senate passed Sub A

    6/20/2025Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/20/2025)

    6/18/2025Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/18/2025

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/17/2025

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/18/2025)

    6/16/2025

  10. Referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs

    5/2/2025Senate

  11. House read and passed

    4/29/2025House

  12. Placed on House Calendar (04/29/2025)

    4/25/2025House

  13. Committee recommends passage

    4/8/2025

  14. Scheduled for consideration (04/08/2025)

    4/4/2025

  15. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/25/2025

  16. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/25/2025)

    3/21/2025

  17. Introduced, referred to House Corporations

    1/15/2025House

Bill Text

  • H5043 - As Introduced

    1/15/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • H5043 - Substitute

    1/15/2025

    HTMLPDF

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