SB270 Summary

• Prohibits consumers from bringing class actions under the Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act, except through the Attorney General or district attorney; establishes this prohibition as substantive law.

• Requires consumers bringing private claims under the Act to prove they reasonably and detrimentally relied on the unlawful practice; makes such reliance non-presumable.

• Allows consumers to recover actual damages (minimum $100) or up to treble damages at court discretion, plus attorney's fees and costs in successful actions.

• Requires a 15-day written demand for relief before filing suit; allows defendants to avoid additional damages and fees by tendering settlement sufficient to cover actual damages within 15 days.

• Limits Attorney General and district attorney actions to actual damages plus attorney's fees and costs, without minimum or treble damages awards.