Albany, New York, December 23, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the FAIR Business Practices Act, enhancing consumer protections in New York for the first time in 45 years. This law addresses unfair business practices and hidden fees while supporting small businesses to foster a competitive market. It includes key provisions such as safeguarding consumers against deceptive practices and promoting transparency. The legislation is viewed as a vital step towards ensuring affordability and fairness in the marketplace, aiming to bolster community engagement and economic resilience.
Albany, New York – In a landmark move to bolster consumer protections, Governor Kathy Hochul has officially signed the Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Business Practices (FAIR Business Practices) Act into law. This significant update, the first of its kind in 45 years, targets unfair, abusive, and deceptive business practices, reflecting New York’s ongoing commitment to fostering a fair market environment while safeguarding consumer rights.
The FAIR Business Practices Act highlights a balanced approach to regulation—one that seeks not only to protect consumers but also to support small businesses in navigating a competitive landscape. By addressing systemic issues like predatory practices and hidden fees, this legislation aims to create a level playing field for local entrepreneurs, strengthening their resilience and innovative capabilities.
Key Provisions of the FAIR Business Practices Act
The FAIR Business Practices Act introduces several crucial measures designed to enhance transparency and integrity within New York’s marketplace:
Protection Against Unfair Practices
The act establishes essential safeguards against deceptive business tactics. By ensuring fair treatment, it creates a more reliable marketplace for consumers, building trust and confidence in their purchasing decisions.
Support for Small Businesses
In a nod to the small business sector, the act strives to create equitable conditions by curbing predatory actions from larger corporations that may stifle competition. This focus on supporting local entrepreneurs can be instrumental in fostering community-oriented economic growth.
Addressing Junk Fees
A significant aim of the legislation is the elimination of hidden or unexpected fees that can burden consumers. By promoting transparency in business transactions, consumers will have a clearer understanding of the costs associated with their purchases, ultimately contributing to their financial well-being.
Lowering Costs
Through the regulation of certain business practices, the law aspires to lower unnecessary expenses for consumers. A more informed consumer base, equipped with the protections offered by the FAIR Business Practices Act, will not only enhance individual financial circumstances but also stimulate broader economic growth through increased consumer spending.
Legislative Undertakings and Support
Attorney General Letitia James, a primary advocate for the FAIR Business Practices Act, emphasized its critical role in addressing the rising costs of living that New Yorkers face today. With sponsorship from Senator Leroy Comrie and Assemblymember Micah Lasher, the act marks a pivotal step to ensure that state consumer protections meet the challenges of a modern economy.
This legislative development illustrates the nuanced balance between necessary regulation and the need for a healthy marketplace where innovation can thrive. As small businesses adapt to these new guidelines, their flexibility and community engagement could pave the way for enhanced economic resilience across New York.
Conclusion
The passage of the FAIR Business Practices Act is set to have a profound impact on consumers and businesses alike in New York. By reinforcing consumer rights and curbing unfair business practices, the legislation aims to forge a marketplace that prioritizes transparency, affordability, and support for small businesses. As the landscape shifts, communities are encouraged to embrace these changes, championing local entrepreneurship and participating actively in the economic future of New York.
FAQ
- What is the FAIR Business Practices Act?
- The FAIR Business Practices Act is a new law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul that updates New York’s primary consumer protection law for the first time in 45 years, aiming to protect consumers from unfair, abusive, and deceptive business practices.
- What are the key provisions of the FAIR Business Practices Act?
- The key provisions include protection against unfair practices, support for small businesses, addressing junk fees, and lowering costs for consumers.
- Who championed the FAIR Business Practices Act?
- Attorney General Letitia James championed the legislation, with Senator Leroy Comrie and Assemblymember Micah Lasher sponsoring the bill.
- When was the FAIR Business Practices Act signed into law?
- The FAIR Business Practices Act was signed into law on December 20, 2025.
- What is the expected impact of the FAIR Business Practices Act?
- The law is expected to have a significant impact on both consumers and businesses across New York State by enhancing consumer rights and ensuring a fair business environment.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protection Against Unfair Practices | Safeguards consumers from deceptive business tactics, ensuring fair treatment in the marketplace. |
| Support for Small Businesses | Provides a more equitable environment for small businesses by curbing predatory practices that can undermine their operations. |
| Addressing Junk Fees | Targets and seeks to eliminate hidden fees that often burden consumers, promoting transparency in business transactions. |
| Lowering Costs | Aims to reduce unnecessary costs for consumers by regulating business practices, contributing to overall affordability. |
Now Happening on X
- @NewYorkStateAG (December 20, 2025): The FAIR Business Practices Act is updating New York’s consumer protection laws for the first time in 45 years, allowing the office to protect consumers and small businesses from unfair practices and lower costs for New Yorkers. View on X
- @MicahLasher (December 20, 2025): With Governor Hochul’s signature, the FAIR Business Practices Act becomes law, sending a clear message that New York will fight back against the Trump administration’s abandonment of working families. View on X
- @ZephyrTeachout (December 20, 2025): New York’s core consumer protection law now protects against unfair business practices after years of advocacy by the AG’s office against major opposition. View on X
- @ErieDCP (December 22, 2025): The FAIR Business Practices Act has been signed by Governor Hochul, updating New York’s consumer protection law for the first time in more than 45 years. View on X
- @NYCComptroller (December 18, 2025): With the Trump administration weakening federal consumer protections, it’s imperative for Governor Hochul to sign the FAIR Business Practices Act to empower the AG to root out corporate abuse at the state level. View on X
- @RosieRose1211 (December 20, 2025): After 45 years, New York is updating its consumer protection laws with the FAIR Business Practices Act to stop unfair tactics, protect small businesses, and lower costs for New Yorkers. View on X
- @nick_garber (December 22, 2025): The state’s consumer protection law, expanded with the FAIR Business Practices Act, could ban deceptive practices alongside the city’s similar law. View on X
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