REPEAL MICHIGAN CONSUMER'S COUNCIL

House Bill 5606

Sponsor:  Rep. Bob Genetski

Committee:  Regulatory Reform

Complete to 5-21-12

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5606 AS INTRODUCED 5-9-12

The bill would repeal Public Act 277 of 1966 (MCL 445.821 to 445.829), which established the Michigan Consumer's Council (jointly composed of the Legislative Citizens Committee on Consumer Affairs, the Executive Committee on Consumer Affairs, and the Governor's Citizens Committee on Consumer Affairs) under the general control of the Legislative Council.  The Consumer's Council was statutorily directed to do all of the following:

o                   Formulate and direct a program to protect individual consumers from harmful products and merchandise, false advertising, and deceptive sales practices.

o                   Formulate and conduct a research and education program to eliminate fraudulent commercial practices.

o                   Serve as a central coordinating agency and clearinghouse for activities and information concerning fraudulent commercial practices.

o                   Advise the Governor on all matters affecting the interests of the people of Michigan as consumers and make recommendations regarding the enactment of legislation necessary to protect and promote the interests of consumers.

o                   Advise the Attorney General of any practice that requires investigations to determine if any state law is being violated.

o                   Establish and maintain, as a public service, a toll free telephone line open to any Michigan resident,  that was intended to receive complaints from consumers and to refer consumers to the appropriate federal, state, local, or private agency which would handle the complaints.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.  The Council has not functioned since its appropriation was line-item vetoed in 1991. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Jeff Stoutenburg

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.