SPRINGFIELD — Continuing her work to protect consumers, State Senator Rachel Ventura is leading a measure that would prevent retailers from requiring consumers to accept store credit instead of a refund.
“Illinois consumers shouldn’t be forced into store credit when they return an unused product,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “If a retailer accepts a return, customers deserve the option to receive their money back. This measure protects working families, increases transparency and helps ensure businesses treat consumers fairly.”
House Bill 4044 would prohibit retail establishments from limiting refunds on returns of unopened or unused consumer products to store credit. Instead, retailers would be required to offer another form of refund, such as cash or reimbursement to the original payment method. Under the measure, consumers returning eligible unused products would have the right to receive a refund through the original payment method or another non-store-credit option.
The bill would not require retailers to accept a return they suspect of fraud, nor would it apply to products that have been opened or used. The measure would not apply to food, beverages, medicine or medical equipment. House Bill 4044 is part of Ventura’s ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer protections and increase transparency for Illinois residents.
“This is about fairness and protecting the hard-earned dollars of working people by ensuring their right to a return is not arbitrarily restricted,” said State Representative Marcus C. Evans Jr. (D-Chicago), who sponsored the bill in the House. “At a time when gas prices are up and wages aren’t keeping pace with basic necessities, we cannot afford to allow these anti-consumer policies to place further financial pressure on working families."
House Bill 4044 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday.
