Dispute Resolution Act

Summary

Consumer Controversies Resolution Act - States that existing mechanisms for the resolution of controversies involving consumer goods and services are largely unavailable, inaccessible, ineffective, expensive, or unfair. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to assure all consumers convenient access to consumer controversy resolution mechanisms which are expeditious, effective, and fair. Directs the Federal Trade Commission, in implementing the provisions of this Act: (1) to enter into or renew cooperative agreements with the States under which the Commission will provide financial assistance for the development, establishment, improvement, or maintenance of State systems for the resolution of controversies involving consumers, and (2) to take such other actions as are appropriate to fulfill the purposes of this Act. Directs the Commission to establish an Office of Consumer Redress. States that the Commission may enter into cooperative agreements with States for the provision of financial assistance to consumer controversy resolution systems upon submission by a State of a satisfactory State plan for the resolution of consumer controversies. Sets forth the requirements which a State plan must meet to be considered satisfactory. Directs the Commission to review such plans periodically. Specifies the purposes for which assistance funds provided to the States may be used, including: (1) compensation to personnel who assist consumers involved in consumer controversies; (2) the recruitment, training, and education of such personnel; (3) public education and publicity regarding the availability and proper use of consumer controversy resolution mechanisms; and (4) research and development of improved controversy resolution mechanisms. States that the Federal share of the estimated cost of a cooperative agreement shall not exceed 70 percent of the total cost of such agreement. Authorizes the Commission to award grants for research or demonstration projects consistent with the purposes of this Act. Requires each recipient of assistance under this Act to keep such records as the Federal Trade Commission shall prescribe. Directs the Commission to submit an annual report to the President and Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1979.

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Documents

2 official files

• Reported to House amended, Part I

  summary · EN · 28 September 1978

  Open at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 9 March 1977

  Open at official source

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