LANSING – State Representative Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) today held an informational forum for his colleagues in the Michigan House of Representatives to shine light on the limitations of Michigan's Consumer Protection Act and push for reforms that will strengthen protections for Michigan residents.
"The original intent of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act was to do exactly what its name would lead you to believe – protect consumers," Jones said. "Since it became law in 1977, however, a great deal of its power has been stripped away. I held this forum to expose some of the weaknesses of the Consumer Protection Act so that we can get to work building it back up."
Jones invited experts including lawyers and advocates in the field of consumer protection to the forum in Lansing. The forum was attended by many of Jones' fellow lawmakers in both the House and the Senate and legislative staff members.
In 1999, the case Smith v. Globe Life Insurance dealt a major blow to the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. The Michigan Supreme Court narrowly interpreted the law to mean that any business that is regulated in any way is exempt from the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.
Jones has proposed a plan in the Michigan House of Representatives that will clarify that the Consumer Protection Act covers unfair, unconscionable, or deceptive methods, acts, or practices unless specifically allowed by law.
"A strong and effective Consumer Protection Act is needed to protect both consumers and businesses," Jones said. "Honest businesses often can't compete with fly-by-night operations whose promises – although deceptive – sound better than the offers of honest merchants. My plan will put teeth back into the Consumer Protection Act, which will protect our residents and level the playing field to help honest businesses succeed."