NCJ Number
48218
Date Published
1978
Length
50 pages
Annotation
THE GOALS, SERVICES, AND ACTIVITIES OF THE NEW YORK STATE CONSUMER PROTECTION BOARD FOR THE PERIOD BETWEEN APRIL 1, 1976 AND DECEMBER 31, 1977 ARE REPORTED.
Abstract
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD INCUDE CONSUMER ADVOCACY BEFORE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES, REPRESENTATION OF CONSUMER INTERESTS BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, CONSUMER EDUCATION, REPRESENTATION OF THE CONSUMERS IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, AND PROVISION OF SERVICES TO LOCAL CONSUMER AGENCIES AND PUBLIC INTERREST ORGANIZATIONS. THE BOARD PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING ONGOING SERVICES: UTILITY INTERVENTION, CONSULTATION, COMPLAINT HANDLING, AND EDUCATION AND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION. MAJOR ACTIONS AND OUTCOMES UNDERTAKEN IN EACH OF THE ABOVE SERVICE CATEGORIES ARE OUTLINED. MAJOR AREAS OF CONSUMER ADVOCACY AND INTERVENTION HAVE INCLUDED PRICE REGULATION OF UTILITIES SUCH AS GAS/ELECTRIC POWER AND TELEPHONE SERVICE, CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT, HEALTH CARE COSTS AND PRACTICES, TELEVISION PROGRAMMING AND ADVERTISING, FOOD ADDITIVES AND FRESHNESS DATING, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, ADVERTISEMENT, LANDLORD-TENANT RELATIONS, INSURANCE RATES, AND A VARIETY OF CONSUMER FRAUDS AND MISLEADING BUSINESS PRACTICES. AS PART OF ITS EDUCATION PROGRAM, THE BOARD ALSO DEVELOPED A FILM ON TELEVISION ADVERTISING AND CHILDREN, TWO CONSUMER HANDBOOKS, AND FOUR MAJOR REPORTS. (JAP)