BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....Why should one customer at a store pay one price for a product when another customer - at the same store, buying the same product pay a different price?
That question serves at the center of the "One Fair Price Act' bill that was approved by state lawmakers earlier this month and now awaits Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature.
Six members of the Erie County Legislature -- all Democrats - have asked Hochul, via a resolution, to sign the "One Fair Price Act" into law but three county lawmakers - all Republicans - say hold off because the act needs to be tweaked.
"It's trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist," said Legislator Lindsay Lorigo, a Republican whose district includes West Seneca. "But, it does make for a good discussion point and we should be having that discussion."
The act would prohibit retailers - be it national chains or locally-owned mom-and-pop outlets - from using AI-created surveillance pricing tactics where products could be sold at varying prices - even if it is the same product, sold at the same store to multiple customers at the same time.
"It is a dangerous practice that will only hurt the everyday consumer," said Legislator Lawrence Dupre, who along with fellow Democrat lawmaker Taisha St. Jean Tard, sponsored the resolution that is now on its way to Hochul. "If you and I are in the same store, at the same time - both buying the same soft drink...why should you pay $2.50 and I pay $2.75?"
Legislator Chris Greene, the Clarence Republican, said he is concerned the "One Fair Price Act" may put too much of a burden on small, locally-owned retailers.
"We need to see how it can help or hurt them," Greene said.
For now, the bill is one of more than 750 that are awaiting Hochul's signature. All must be signed by Dec. 31.
Hochul offered no timeline for when certain bills will be signed or rejected.
Democrats support One Fair Price Act; GOP - not so much
Democrats support One Fair Price Act; GOP - not so much
