On February 11, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judiciary Committee in support of HB 591 – Statute of Limitations – Prosecution or Enforcement of Local Consumer Protection Codes.
This bill establishes a timeline of three years for a local jurisdiction to file a claim against an entity in violation of a local consumer protection code. This timeline begins at the time the offense was committed.
Protecting residents from predatory companies, which take advantage of consumers in need of services, is necessary to ensure communities have access to goods and services without fear of being exploited. Counties are currently authorized, in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office, to carry out various means of protection for distressed consumers in their jurisdictions. Specifically, local governments can enact local consumer protection codes and establish enforcement divisions within the county government to address claims from residents.
This is an authority and responsibility that local jurisdictions appreciate and do not take lightly. A longer window will undoubtedly enable counties to resolve these issues − especially more complicated matters − with even greater integrity as they defend the interests of community members.
HB 591 was heard in the opposite chamber, the Judicial Proceedings Committee, on April 1. MACo submitted written testimony in support of this bill.
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