The Tempe Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the East Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA), co-authored a bill with Senator Vince Leach to address a growing problem affecting our retailers, hoteliers and restaurants. People have been coming into their business, demanding free items and threatening to post negative posts and reviews on social media.
Senate Bill 1001 – Theft by Extortion passed both chambers of the Arizona Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Doug Ducey on Monday, May 30th. Due to this law, business owners can rest assured that those threatening to leave negative reviews if they don’t receive free items or services from a business will be punished for their attempted extortion.
“Businesses facing extortion in any form is simply unacceptable,” said President and CEO Colin Diaz, ACE, IOM. “I am grateful for the assistance of Senator Vince Leach, the feedback of businesses throughout the Valley, the responsiveness of the East Valley Chamber of Commerce Alliance, and Governor Ducey for signing this critical piece of legislation into law.”
