FREE GOODS AND SERVICES
House Bill 5135
Sponsor: Rep. Jason Allen
Committee: Commerce
Complete to 10-8-01
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5135 AS INTRODUCED 10-2-01
The Michigan Consumer Protection Act contains a list of unfair, unconscionable, or deceptive methods, acts, or practices in the conduct of trade or commerce that are unlawful under the act. Among them is representing that a consumer will receive goods or services "free", "without charge", or words of similar import without clearly and conspicuously disclosing with equal prominence in immediate conjunction with the use of these words the conditions, terms, or prerequisites to the use or retention of the goods or services advertised (emphasis added). House Bill 5135 would amend the act to remove the emphasized phrase above, making the provision read:
Representing that a consumer will receive goods or services "free", "without charge", or words of similar import without clearly and conspicuously disclosing the conditions, terms, or prerequisites to the use or retention of the goods or services advertised.
MCL 445.903
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.