Massachusetts § 49A - Retail trade reporting agencies; disclosures
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 49A — Retail trade reporting agencies; disclosures, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 49A. Retail trade reporting agencies; disclosures
Section 49A. Every retail trade reporting agency which discloses to any third person information concerning a business engaged in retail trade shall, upon request of such business, disclose to it the nature, contents and substance of such information contained in its files at the time of the request. Whoever fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars, and shall be deemed to have committed an unfair or deceptive act or practice prohibited by chapter ninety-three A.
For the purposes of this section retail trade reporting agency shall mean any person, firm, association or corporation which for monetary fees or dues, regularly engages, in whole or in part, in the practice of assembling or evaluating trade or other information on a business engaged in retail trade for the purpose of furnishing reports on such business to third parties.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 49A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 49A cover?
Section 49A ("Retail trade reporting agencies; disclosures") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 49A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 49A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 49A apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.