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HB4044Introduced in the House

CONSUMER RIGHT TO RETURN

Passed

Introduced by Marcus Evans, District 33

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.

Official description

Creates the Consumer Product Return Act. Provides that a retail mercantile establishment shall not limit the method of return or refund to the issuance of store credit when accepting the return of an unopened or unused consumer product from a consumer. Provides that a retail mercantile establishment may require a consumer to provide reasonable proof of purchase and may use any reasonable method to verify that the consumer purchased the unused or unopened consumer product before processing a return, refund, or exchange. Sets forth limitations and exceptions to the Act. Provides that a violation of the Act is a business offense with a fine not to exceed $25. Provides that a retail mercantile establishment shall not be fined in excess of $500 in a calendar year for violations of the Act. Allows a person to bring an action for injunctive relief to obtain compliance with the Act. Limits home rule. Effective July 1, 2027.

Where it stands

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0593

July 24, 2026

How did lawmakers vote?

House votes

3 recorded votes · each counted separately

Senate votes

2 recorded votes · each counted separately

SenateStage: Senate Third Reading · May 20, 2026

56

Yes

2

No

1

Absent or Not Voting

59 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.

See how each senator voted

SenatorDistrictVote
Javier Cervantes1Yes
Omar Aquino2Yes
Mattie Hunter3Yes
Kimberly Lightford4Yes
Lakesia Collins5Yes
Sara Feigenholtz6Yes
Mike Simmons7Yes
Ram Villivalam8Yes
Laura Fine9Yes
Robert Martwick10Yes

Bill history

  1. Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

  2. First Reading

  3. Referred to Rules Committee

  4. Assigned to Consumer Protection Committee

  5. Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Theresa Mah

  6. Do Pass / Short Debate Consumer Protection Committee; 005-002-000

  7. Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate

  8. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Nicolle Grasse

  9. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Laura Faver Dias

  10. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

  11. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee

  12. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Consumer Protection Committee

  13. Second Reading - Short Debate

  14. Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate

  15. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Consumer Protection Committee; 009-000-000

  16. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Camille Y. Lilly

  17. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted

  18. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

  19. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 101-000-000

  20. Arrive in Senate

  21. Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading April 28, 2026

  22. Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Rachel Ventura

  23. First Reading

  24. Referred to Assignments

  25. Assigned to Judiciary

  26. Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 15, 2026

  27. Do Pass Judiciary; 007-000-000

  28. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 14, 2026

  29. Second Reading

  30. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 18, 2026

  31. Third Reading - Passed; 056-002-000

  32. Passed Both Houses

  33. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Robert "Bob" Rita

  34. Sent to the Governor

  35. Governor Approved

  36. Effective Date July 1, 2027

  37. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0593

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