The Assembly passed legislation requiring food retailers and third-party delivery platforms that present grocery items online to provide a prominent pricing policy disclosure stating whether online prices are higher or lower than in-store prices and to link to the retailer's website.

Sponsor Assemblymember Magnarelli said the goal is to increase transparency for consumers who use third-party platforms and to make clear whether online convenience comes with a markup. "The whole idea of the bill is to be open and transparent so the consumer can see exactly what the markups are," the sponsor said.

Floor questions clarified the bill does not require an item-by-item price comparison but does require the disclosure of whether the prices the third party charges are higher or lower than store prices. The sponsor said the Department of State would promulgate implementing regulations and that the bill gives agencies scope to set specifics; he said retailers historically maintain price data and the required disclosure is feasible.

Members also discussed related fees (delivery, service, fuel surcharges, gratuities) and whether the bill should require fee disclosure; the sponsor said the statute focuses on item pricing differences and linking to store prices, not on ancillary fees.

The Assembly recorded an Ayes 147, Noes 0 vote.

Why it matters: Supporters said greater transparency will let consumers weigh convenience costs and possibly encourage more competitive pricing on third-party grocery platforms.

Implementation: The Department of State will issue regulations to implement the disclosure standard and may specify additional technical details about how platforms must present pricing policy information.