Consumer Protection Reform

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Key Features:

1. Transparent Pricing Practices

- Physical Price Tags:

   Require retailers to reinstate physical price tags on all products to prevent

reliance solely on barcodes, which can be manipulated internally.

- Pricing Accuracy Laws:

   Mandate audits for retailers with repeated pricing discrepancies, imposing

penalties for violations to ensure consumer trust.

- Consumer Compensation:

   Require retailers to refund double the overcharge amount for any pricing errors

and honor the lowest displayed price.

2. Restricting Law Enforcement in Retail Disputes

- Mandatory Police Reports:

   Require law enforcement to file a police report when a consumer files a

complaint about retailer discrepancies, creating a formal record for

investigation.

- Separation from Corporate Policies:

   Prohibit law enforcement from intervening in corporate disputes unless

criminal laws are violated, ensuring public resources are not misused.

- Independent Oversight:

   Establish a review board to monitor cases involving law enforcement in

retail-related disputes.

3. Consumer Rights in Advertising and Sales

- Honest Advertising Requirements:

   Require retailers to honor all advertised prices and promotions, with clear

disclosure of exclusions or limitations.

- Anti-Bait-and-Switch Protections:

   Strengthen penalties for businesses that engage in deceptive practices,

ensuring accountability for misleading advertisements.

4. Reporting and Resolution Mechanisms

- Statewide Consumer Hotline:

    Launch a hotline for consumers to report unresolved pricing discrepancies and

unfair practices directly to regulatory authorities.

- Retailer Resolution Policies:

    Mandate rapid resolution of consumer complaints, escalating unresolved

disputes to consumer protection agencies.

Implementation Framework:

1. Phase 1: Legislative Reforms

- Draft and enact laws requiring police to file reports for consumer complaints

related to retail disputes.

- Introduce laws mandating physical price tags and enforcing pricing accuracy.

2. Phase 2: Public Awareness Campaigns

- Launch statewide campaigns to educate Texans about their rights regarding

pricing, advertising, and dispute escalation.

- Provide accessible resources for consumers to report violations and seek

recourse.

3. Phase 3: Infrastructure Development

- Create a state-run consumer protection hotline and reporting system.

- Establish independent review boards to oversee retail practices and law

enforcement involvement.

4. Phase 4: Monitoring and Auditing

- Empower state consumer protection agencies to regularly audit retail

practices and investigate recurring complaints.

- Conduct statewide assessments of consumer satisfaction to refine and

improve the initiative.

Outcomes:

1. Increased Consumer Confidence:

   Transparent pricing practices and mandatory reporting mechanisms restore

trust in retail and law enforcement systems.

2. Reduced Corporate Exploitation:

   Stronger regulations and enforcement deter deceptive practices and protect

consumer rights.

3. Balanced Law Enforcement Involvement:

   Separating law enforcement from corporate influence ensures that public

resources prioritize community safety.

4. Fair Marketplace:

   Texans gain equitable access to fair pricing, accurate advertising, and reliable

recourse for disputes.

5. State Leadership:

   Texas becomes a model for consumer protection, leading the nation in fairness,

accountability, and economic equality.

6. Empowered Communities:

   Consumers are equipped with tools and knowledge to advocate for their rights,

fostering a culture of transparency and trust.