NYS Senator James Sanders Jr. praised Gov. Kathy Hochul after she signed two important consumer protection bills he sponsored into law.
Sanders believes these bills will enhance transparency and protect New York consumers’ health, safety, and financial security.
The first bill, S.8880, addresses a critical issue affecting over-the-counter (OTC) drug and cosmetic labeling. The bill prohibits retailers from obstructing or obscuring the labels of OTC drugs or cosmetics with store price stickers, security tags, or other devices.
These labels are essential for consumer health and safety, providing critical information such as product ingredients, usage instructions, warnings, and expiration dates.
“This new law ensures that consumers can make informed decisions about the health and safety of products they purchase,” explained Sanders. “By eliminating label obstruction, we are protecting consumers from the potential risks of using products without full access to vital information. Transparency is key, especially when it comes to health-related products.”
A survey conducted in the early 1920s highlighted the issue of label obstruction. It revealed that many retailers were obscuring product labels, making it difficult for consumers to read the warnings and directions.
In some cases, removing price stickers would destroy essential manufacturer information. Sanders’s bill has built on previous efforts to safeguard consumers, including a 1986 law prohibiting expiration dates on OTC drugs.
The second bill, S.4778, prohibits car leasing companies from charging ‘turn-in fees’ at the end of a lease term. These fees are often imposed purely for administrative, clerical, or handling costs when a vehicle is returned in good condition and within the mileage agreement.
“This legislation ensures that consumers are not unfairly burdened by hidden fees at the end of their lease,” said Sanders. “By eliminating turn-in fees, we are promoting fairness and transparency in vehicle leasing and protecting consumers from unnecessary charges that are often hidden in the fine print of lease agreements.”
Sanders explained that these fees are frequently not disclosed to consumers when leasing and are often waived as an incentive for customers to enter into subsequent leases. This practice discourages consumers from shopping around for the best deal and can lead to financial hardship when they unexpectedly face fees.
Sanders believes that both these legislations demonstrate his commitment to protecting consumers from unfair practices and promoting a marketplace where transparency and fairness are prioritized.
“These common-sense laws will protect consumers and ensure that they are treated with respect and fairness in the marketplace,” he added. “I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in signing these important bills into law, and I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of New Yorkers to advance consumer protections.”
Sanders covers NY Senate District 10, which stretches from South Jamaica all the way down to Far Rockaway. This includes South Ozone Park, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, Edgemere, Arverne, Belle Harbor, Neponsit, Breezy Point, Rosedale, and JFK Airport.
