Bill > SB0134

This bill amends the Michigan Consumer Protection Act to enhance consumer safeguards and enforcement mechanisms. The bill introduces several key changes, including expanding definitions of terms like "elder" (individuals 80 years or older), "vulnerable adult", and "small business", and clarifying the scope of trade or commerce. It strengthens the attorney general's investigative powers by allowing written demands for information, testimony, and document production before bringing an action. The bill also increases civil fines for violations, particularly those targeting elders or vulnerable adults, with potential penalties up to $50,000 per violation. Additionally, the bill creates a new Consumer Protection and Antitrust Revolving Enforcement and Education Fund, which will receive portions of attorney fees, costs, and damages from legal actions to support future consumer protection efforts and public education. The legislation emphasizes liberal interpretation of the act to effectuate its consumer protection purpose and provides more detailed guidelines for how violations are counted and prosecuted, with a focus on protecting more vulnerable populations from deceptive trade practices.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0134