Senate approves update to General Business Law expanding 'unfair' and 'abusive' practices; debate centered on attorney general powers

The New York State Senate on June 12 approved Senate print 84-16, a bill that amends the General Business Law to add definitions of "unfair" and "abusive" practices and to broaden enforcement authority for the attorney general. The measure passed after extended floor debate, recorded as Ayes 37, Nays 22.

Supporters, led on the floor by the bill sponsor, said the change updates a statute they described as last revised in 1980 and gives the attorney general authority to address modern consumer harms. "This bill has not been updated since 1980," the sponsor said on the floor, and framed the measure as a tool to address deceptive sales tactics, junk fees and other practices that can leave consumers — especially new homeowners and immigrants — without an effective remedy.

Backers said the bill adopts language that many states and federal regulators use to define harm. "This bill is going to define acts or practices as unfair where it causes or is likely to cause…