COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Joint with Committee on Legislation
MINUTES: MAY 17, 2004
IN ATTENDANCE:
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS MEMBERS: Legislators: Bronz (Acting Chair), Abinanti, Astorino, LEGISLATION MEMBERS: Chair: Marty Rogowsky; Legislators: Abinanti, Bronz, Latimer, Mosiello, Pinto, Stewart-Cousins
BOL: Ettere, Vega; CEO: Bill Randolph; LAW: Brendan McGrath, Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster, Liz Cipollo; CONSUMER PROTECTION: Elaine Price
ITEM FOR DISCUSSION:
7. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: ATM Registration: Local Law requiring the registration of automated teller machines that are not affiliated with banking institutions. (01/26/04) (Also referred to Public Safety and Legislation) (discussed in joint meeting 05/03/04).
The meeting began and both Committees were called to order at 2:20 p.m.
Item is a proposed local law which would, if adopted, amend Section 863.91 of the Laws of Westchester County to require the posting and disclosure of any policy regarding fees, charges and/or expiration dates associated with gift cards or gift certificates. The Consumer Protection Code presently requires merchants to visibly post refund, credit and exchange policies. This would amend the Code to also mandate the above.
Many vendors verbally provide information regarding expiration dates and any charges or fees associated with the gift cards/certificates at the point of sale thus leaving the person who receives the gift card/certificate unaware of current terms and conditions.
Elaine Price, Director for the Department of Consumer Protection, was present to discuss this item that would, if passed, be enforced by her department. She noted that the Retail Council of New York State is in agreement with this proposal. There is also legislation pending in the New York State Legislature (A10333/S6612).
The Members agreed to wait and see if the State Legislature takes any action on this item before the session closes. They also agreed to expand language in Section C of the legislation.
On motion of Legislator Astorino, seconded by Legislator Abinanti the Committee on Community Affairs was adjourned at 2:58 p.m.
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