Preston measure increases availability for store coupons

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Willie Preston is heading a measure that would require grocery stores offering digital coupons to have matching paper ones.

"This measure prevents discrimination by stores against people who are less technologically inclined or do not want to use digital coupons," said Preston (D-Chicago). "Not everyone has a smartphone or wants to use their smartphone for every part of their life."

The measure would require a store that offers digital coupons to also have paper coupons at the service desk for customers to use if they prefer. The store would need to have the coupons placed in other locations as well.

According to Pew Research, 25% of older adults do not have internet access and 39% do not have a smartphone. Additionally, Consumer World researched 50 supermarket chains nationwide and found that two-thirds have digital-only deals.

"There are many people out there that do not know how to use a digital coupon, mainly older adults," Preston said. "This measure improves accessibility for those people and saves them money for use in other aspects of their lives."

Senate Bill 2737 passed the Senate Consumer Protection Committee Thursday, and it will now head to the full Senate for further consideration.