HB 1977 Pennsylvania House · 2023-2024 Regular Session

An Act amending the act of December 17, 1968 (P.L.1224, No.387), known as the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, further providing for definitions and for unlawful acts or practices and exclusions.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to update definitions of deceptive acts and explicitly ban pyramid schemes. It clarifies that businesses cannot mislead consumers about product origins, quality, or availability, nor can they use false claims to disparage competitors. The legislation specifically targets pyramid promotional schemes by defining them as plans where compensation comes primarily from recruiting others rather than selling actual goods or services. Additionally, the bill strengthens rules against deceptive telemarketing by requiring sellers to clearly state their identity and the purpose of the call before asking for any information. These changes directly affect businesses and consumers by establishing clearer boundaries for lawful marketing and sales practices.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Jul 2024
House Passage
Jul 2024
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 31, 2024 Last action Jul 12, 2024
Floor votes · House Jul 1, 2024

How they voted

89–90
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 180
Jul 1, 2024
D Democratic89
89 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican91
90 Nay 1
98% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
4
Committee
6
Amendments
1
Jul 12, 2024
Committee
Referred to Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
upper
Jul 1, 2024
Lower · Passed
Third consideration and final passage
lower
Jul 1, 2024
Lower · Passed
Re-reported as committed
lower
Jun 28, 2024
Committee
Re-committed to Appropriations
lower
Jun 28, 2024
Lower · Passed
Re-reported as committed
lower
Jun 11, 2024
Committee
Re-committed to Rules
lower
Jun 11, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported as amended
lower
Jan 31, 2024
Committee
Referred to Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities
lower
1 primary · 16 co-sponsors

Sponsors