Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has expressed approval following the Michigan Senate's passage of Senate Bill 1022. The bill, supported by state Senator Sam Singh and the Attorney General, aims to aid Michigan consumers who are currently unable to act against predatory and deceptive business practices due to interpretations of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA).

The Attorney General's office receives over 10,000 consumer complaints annually. However, decisions by the Michigan Supreme Court in cases such as Smith v. Globe Life Ins. Co. and Liss v. Lewiston-Richards, Inc. often prevent state investigations into businesses selling products or services authorized by a state or federal agency, regardless of how they conduct their business operations. This interpretation of an exemption within the MCPA protects many businesses from scrutiny for alleged unfair practices.

Nessel commented on this issue: "My Consumer Protection Team constantly fields calls from Michiganders who have fallen victim to predatory business practices," adding that unethical practices have financially impacted community members. She noted that her office had been forced to turn away affected consumers because they were targeted by licensed and regulated businesses.

Attorney General Nessel testified in support of the bill in October and initiated an investigation into insulin manufacturer Eli Lilly. She also requested that the Michigan Supreme Court reconsider previous rulings limiting action against drug manufacturers under the MCPA.

Senate Bill 1022 seeks to restore transaction types subject to the MCPA, allow investigative demands for alleged violations, and increase penalties for offenses targeting elderly and vulnerable adults.

The bill will proceed to the Michigan House of Representatives for further consideration.