Preston Bill Would Require Paper Alternatives to Digital Grocery Coupons (Springfield, IL) – A measure sponsored by State Sen. Willie Preston, D-Chicago, that would require grocery stores to provide paper versions of digital coupons cleared a Senate committee, advancing to the full chamber for consideration.
Senate Bill 2737 aims to expand access to store discounts by mandating that any retailer offering digital coupons also make matching paper coupons available at customer service desks and other locations in the store.
Preston said the legislation is intended to address barriers faced by shoppers who lack reliable internet access or are uncomfortable using smartphone-based promotions.
“This measure prevents discrimination by stores against people who are less technologically inclined or do not want to use digital coupons,” Preston said in a statement. “Not everyone has a smartphone or wants to use their smartphone for every part of their life.”
The proposal comes amid growing reliance on app-based discounts in the grocery industry. Research cited by Preston’s office found that roughly two-thirds of major supermarket chains nationwide now offer digital-only deals. Meanwhile, Pew Research data indicates that 25% of older adults do not have internet access and 39% do not own a smartphone.
Preston argued the shift toward digital promotions can leave seniors and other consumers unable to take advantage of savings available to tech-savvy shoppers.
“There are many people out there that do not know how to use a digital coupon, mainly older adults,” he said. “This measure improves accessibility for those people and saves them money for use in other aspects of their lives.”
Supporters say the bill could help level the playing field for customers while increasing transparency in pricing. Critics, however, have previously raised concerns in similar debates about potential administrative burdens on retailers and the logistics of maintaining parallel coupon systems.
With committee approval secured, SB 2737 now moves to the Senate floor, where lawmakers will decide whether to advance the consumer protection measure in the current legislative session.
Preston Bill Would Require Paper Alternatives to Digital Grocery Coupons
