SB256 Summary

• Increases civil penalties for willful violations of consumer protection laws to $10,000 per violation in court proceedings and $5,000 per violation in administrative proceedings.

• Authorizes courts to order violators to cease unlawful conduct, return unlawfully obtained money, freeze assets, and provide restitution or other remedies to prevent unjust enrichment.

• Establishes procedures for summary cease and desist orders when the Director perceives an immediate threat to public interest, with 10-15 business days for alleged violators to request a hearing.

• Requires the Director to attempt obtaining voluntary compliance before issuing summary orders and mandates that complaints accompany summary cease and desist orders served on violators.

• Expands the Division of Consumer Protection's enforcement authority to cover multiple consumer protection statutes and allows administrative penalties and restitution orders for willful violations.