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House approves $20,000 for consumer protection outreach to boost fraud awareness
Summary
The House passed a substitute for House Bill 65 to appropriate $20,000 to the Division of Consumer Protection for a public awareness campaign about the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act; the measure passed 54–12 after members discussed funding sources and examples of fraud.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House approved a substitute to House Bill 65 on Feb. 10 that would give the Division of Consumer Protection $20,000 to run a public-awareness campaign about consumer rights under the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act.
Representative Lawrence, the bill sponsor, said the appropriation would help the division reach constituents who do not know how to access its services. "So this bill just simply appropriates $20,000 to the Division of Consumer Protection to fund a public awareness campaign," Lawrence said, describing a planned outreach on public television timed to peak consumer periods.
Members asked where the money would come from; Lawrence said it was likely general-fund money but that a restricted Consumer Protection Education and Training Fund under the Commerce Service Fund might also be used. Representative Hogue raised that alternate funding source and said the restricted account held approximately $4.5 million.
Supporters offered examples of the agency’s work: Representative Clark described constituents who lost "something like $4,000" in a travel-package scam and credited the division for resolving the matter. Representative Allen recounted receiving a deceptive telephone solicitation and said having public awareness would help others who do not know the agency exists.
Representative Hughes called the question to end debate. The House recorded a vote of 54 yes and 12 no, approving the substitute and referring it to the Senate for further consideration.
The Division of Consumer Protection will determine the outreach plan if the appropriation is enacted; funding source (general fund or restricted account) will be clarified in final budget negotiations or subsequent committee action.
