FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Susan Shin, New Economy Project, susan@neweconomynyc.org

New Economy Project released the following statement on the passage of the FAIR Business Practices Act (S8416/A8427A):

“New Economy Project is deeply dismayed that Albany caved to the business lobby and passed a watered-down version of the FAIR Business Practices Act. At a time when the Trump administration continues to dismantle vital federal consumer protections, New York had the opportunity to lead—but Albany once again failed to meet the moment.

“The original bill—which we strongly supported—would have brought New York in line with 42 other states, by empowering both the Attorney General and everyday New Yorkers to challenge unfair and abusive business practices. (Previously, New York law notoriously banned only deceptive acts and practices.) Although the Legislature ultimately granted this critical authority to the Attorney General, it stripped from the bill core provisions—including a private right of action—that would have enabled New Yorkers to affirmatively challenge unfair and abusive business practices in court.

“New York now holds the dubious distinction of being one of only eight states to deny individuals these fundamental rights. As a result, New Yorkers will still be unable to seek recourse under state law against employers, landlords, debt collectors, and other businesses that harm them through conduct that is unfair or abusive, but arguably not deceptive—such as when a debt collector harasses older adults into giving up their limited, legally protected income.

“This is Albany at its most cynical: bending to corporate pressure, while pretending to act in the public interest.”

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