Whereas, most citizens of the State conduct transactions daily at retail businesses as part of everyday life; and

Whereas, many businesses do not provide a contact for consumers with complaints; and

Whereas, often a consumer complaint is based upon facts that should be addressed promptly to protect the public interest; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 10 MRSA c. 205-B is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 205-B

REQUIRED CONTACTS FOR CONSUMERS

§1210-C.__Required business contacts

A merchant doing retail business in the State must place at the point of sale a legible and conspicuous sign naming the owner or parent company of the business and a telephone number of a contact in case of a consumer complaint.__The contact must be a person of authority in the business other than the manager on duty.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill requires every retail business in the State to place a sign at the point of sale with the name of the owner or parent company of the business and a telephone number in case of consumer complaints. The contact is required to be someone of authority other than the manager on duty.