Consumer protection: Department of Consumer Affairs: complaints.
If enacted, AB 2948 would require the Director of Consumer Affairs to notify consumers of the actions taken on complaints within a maximum of 60 calendar days following the closure of the complaint, unless doing so would pose a risk to public health or safety. This change is intended to ensure that consumers are kept informed about the status and outcomes of their complaints, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in the consumer protection process. The requirement to communicate outcomes could lead to improved consumer trust in the department and its processes.
Assembly Bill 2948, introduced by Assembly Member Cooper, seeks to amend Section 326 of the Business and Professions Code regarding consumer protection in California. This legislation focuses on the procedures followed by the Department of Consumer Affairs when handling complaints received from consumers about the production, distribution, sale, or lease of goods and services that may be harmful to public health, safety, or welfare. The bill aims to enhance the communication of the outcome of complaints to consumers by establishing a clear timeframe within which consumers must be informed of the actions taken regarding their complaints.
While AB 2948 is primarily aimed at improving consumer relations, discussions around the bill may focus on the implications of mandating such communication within a specified timeframe. Some stakeholders might argue that the requirement could present challenges for the Department of Consumer Affairs in handling a high volume of complaints effectively. Opponents may express concerns regarding the operational burden this could impose, especially in scenarios where timely communication might not be feasible due to resource limitations or the complexity of investigations.