TheRepublic.com - Consumer protection and advocacy News

Wis. budget panel to consider rent-to-own changes

Sun, 19 May 2013 07:04:25 -0400

MADISON, Wisconsin - The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee is poised to consider provisions in Gov. Scott Walker's executive budget that would exempt rent-to-own stores from Wisconsin's consumer protection laws.

Overlay system backed for Indiana's 812 area code

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:53:36 -0400

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana's utility consumer advocate is recommending that regulators establish a new telephone area code that would overlap the existing 812 code that covers roughly the southern third of the state.

Mexico fires official in flap over influence abuse

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:37:18 -0400

MEXICO CITY - The Mexican government announced Wednesday it has fired an official whose daughter sent inspectors to shut down a restaurant that didn't give her the table she wanted.

NY attorney general seeks help for cell thefts

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:41:43 -0400

ALBANY, New York - New York state's attorney general asked smartphone makers on Monday to do more to protect consumers from violent street crimes known as "Apple picking," or cellphone thefts.

Feds get closer look at fake mobile bill charges

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:33:14 -0400

WASHINGTON - When a mysterious, unauthorized fee appears on your cellphone bill, it's called "cramming" and consumer advocates and regulators worry it's emerging as a significant problem as people increasingly ditch their landlines for wireless phones.

Calif agency says PG&E should pay $2.25B for blast

Mon, 06 May 2013 20:50:16 -0400

SAN FRANCISCO - California regulators recommended Monday that Pacific Gas & Electric Co. pay a record $2.25 billion fine for decades of negligence that led to a deadly gas pipeline explosion that leveled a San Francisco Bay Area neighborhood.

Illinois Senate approves 'puppy lemon law' bill

Wed, 01 May 2013 17:58:18 -0400

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois - The Illinois Senate has approved a measure that would protect consumers who buy a dog or cat at a pet store and then find out that the animal is seriously ill.

Bill of rights summarizes Oklahoma insurance laws

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:45:20 -0400

OKLAHOMA CITY - As tornado season intensifies, Oklahoma's top insurance official said Tuesday he is compiling a consumer bill of rights to let home and car owners know what their legal rights are when they are affected by severe weather or some other calamity.

Senate chairman calls for 'Do Not Track' bill

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:51:38 -0400

WASHINGTON - Warning consumers that industry has failed to protect their privacy online, a top Senate Democrat said Wednesday that he will press legislation this year that would create a universal "Do Not Track" option for consumers and penalize companies that fail to honor it.