Establishes a bureau of public protection within the department of attorney general.
Impact
If enacted, HB 6164 will amend existing laws concerning the role of the Attorney General in Rhode Island. The newly established bureau will enable the attorney general to investigate and take enforcement action against repeated illegal activities within both business and governmental operations. This change is intended to bolster the capacity of the state to intervene in cases where individuals or entities exhibit systemic illegal behavior, thus enhancing protective measures for consumers and the general public.
Summary
House Bill 6164 aims to create a bureau of public protection within the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General. This bureau will primarily focus on enhancing consumer protection, antitrust enforcement, healthcare regulation, and environmental protection. The bill signifies a proactive approach by empowering the attorney general to lead a dedicated unit committed to safeguarding public interests against illegal commercial practices and governmental misconduct. The proposal outlines a structured framework to address persistent illegality and to ensure state accountability in various sectors.
Contention
While the bill presents a structured and enforceable approach to public protection, it may also raise concerns regarding government overreach. Some stakeholders could argue that the broad powers granted to the attorney general might lead to excessive regulation of legitimate business activities or that the scope of the bureau's investigations could be interpreted too broadly. Additionally, the effectiveness of the bureau in achieving its stated goals will likely be under scrutiny, particularly regarding its operational transparency and accountability as it functions under the umbrella of the Attorney General's office.
Allows the attorney general to investigate and bring an enforcement action against persistent fraud or illegality in the carrying on, conducting, or transaction of business or governmental activity.
Allows the attorney general to investigate and bring an enforcement action against persistent fraud or illegality in the carrying on, conducting, or transaction of business or governmental activity.
Establishes an agricultural restricted receipt account within the department of environmental management. An advisory committee would be established to determine suggested uses of the funds in said account.
Requires grocery stores to specifically limit the number of self-service checkout units to six (6) units per location. The consumer protection unit of the department of attorney general would have authority to enforce these restrictions.
Requires grocery stores to specifically limit the number of self-service checkout units to six (6) units per location. The consumer protection unit of the department of attorney general would have authority to enforce these restrictions.
Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
Establishes the office of inspector general as an independent administrative agency charged with the responsibility to investigate, detect, and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the expenditure of public funds.
Establishes office of inspector general which would be charged with preventing fraud and mismanagement of public funds, regardless of their source and would oversee all state programs and operations.