HB4783 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB096 16673 DRJ 31956 b

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
HB4783

Introduced 1/12/2010, by Rep. Sandy Cole

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

815 ILCS 505/10e new

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Creates the Task Force on Consumer Protection for Cell Phone Users. Directs the Task Force to study issues affecting cell phone customers, including termination fees, billing issues, contract requirements and limitations, service issues in connection with switching carriers, unauthorized charges, and text messaging options and protections. Requires the Task Force to submit a report and recommendations by June 30, 2011 and annually thereafter. Requires the Attorney General's office to provide administrative and staff support for the Task Force. Repeals these provisions and abolishes the Task Force on July 1, 2015. Effective July 1, 2010.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning business.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act is amended by adding Section 10e as follows:

(815 ILCS 505/10e new)

Sec. 10e. Task Force on Consumer Protection for Cell Phone Users.

(a) The Task Force on Consumer Protection for Cell Phone Users is created. The Task Force shall consist of 9 members appointed as follows:

(1) Four members of the General Assembly, appointed one each by the President of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

(2) One representative of the Office of the Governor, appointed by the Governor.

(3) One representative of the Office of the Attorney General, appointed by the Attorney General.

(4) One representative of consumer groups, appointed by the Governor.

(5) Two representatives of the wireless telecommunications industry, appointed by the Governor.

The Task Force members shall select a chairperson from among themselves.

Task Force members are not entitled to compensation for performing their duties.

(b) The Task Force shall study issues affecting cell phone customers, including termination fees, billing issues, contract requirements and limitations, service issues in connection with switching carriers, unauthorized charges, and text messaging options and protections.

(c) The Task Force shall submit a report and recommendations for legislative action, as well as any other information the Task Force deems relevant, to the General Assembly by June 30, 2011 and each June 30 thereafter.

(d) The Office of the Attorney General shall provide administrative and staff support for the Task Force.

(e) This Section is repealed, and the Task Force is abolished, on July 1, 2015.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect July 1, 2010.