April 27, 2012 > Bill aids local florists Bill aids local florists Submitted By Jeff Barbosa A bill by Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), backed by Chambers of Commerce and local florists throughout the state, passed the Assembly's Business and Professions Committee on April 10, 2012 on an 8-0 vote. The bill, AB 1581, seeks to combat consumer deception by requiring floral retailers who use local phone numbers or local names to include their address and notice of their place of business in their advertisements. Larger floral retailers often misrepresent their geographical location in their advertising to appeal to consumers who want to buy locally. "At its core, this bill is about arming the consumer with more information," Wieckowski said. "By providing the actual business address, consumers who wish to shop locally will have the appropriate information to make that decision when placing their orders." The bill is supported by the Fremont, Hayward, Milpitas, San Leandro and Simi Valley chambers of commerce, along with several state small business organizations and floral associations. Twenty-eight other states have passed similar laws. In 2011, Texas passed a similar bill. Fremont Flowers owner Dirk Lorenz appeared before the committee in support of the bill. Lorenz submitted the bill idea as part of Assemblyman Wieckowski's "There Ought to be a Law" contest.