Department of Consumer Affairs
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 32-7-20, Relating To Preneed Funeral Contracts, So As To Require The Inclusion In Such Contracts Of The Toll-free Telephone Number And Website For The Department Of Consumer Affairs, And A Statement That Questions Or Complaints May Be Directed To The Department; By Amending Section 37-2-305, Relating To Certain Creditors Filing And Posting Maximum Rate Schedules, So As To Require Such Filings To Include This Same Language; By Amending Section 37-2-307, Relating To Motor Vehicle Sales Contracts Closing Fees, So As To Require Dealers To Include Such Language In A Notice To Consumers; By Amending Section 37-3-305, Relating To Certain Creditors Filing And Posting Maximum Rate Schedules, So As To Require Such Filings To Include This Language; By Amending Section 37-6-202, Relating To Notification Filing Requirements Applicable To Certain Consumer Credit Transactions, So As To Require Such Filings To Include This Language; By Amending Section 37-6-204, Relating To Notification Filing Requirements For Persons Making Consumer Rental-purchase Transactions, So As To Require Such Filings To Include This Language; By Amending Section 37-11-35, Relating To Continuing Care Retirement Community Contracts And Agreements, So As To Require The Inclusion Of Similar Language In These Agreements; By Amending Section 37-16-50, Relating To Contracts For Prepaid Legal Services, So As To Require The Inclusion Of Similar Language; By Amending Section 37-17-52, Relating To Information Provided To Applicants By A Discount Medical Plan Organization, So As To Require The Inclusion Of Similar Language; By Amending Section 39-61-110, Relating To Requirements Of Service Contracts, So As To Include Similar Language; By Amending Section 40-39-80, Relating To Pawn Tickets And The Content Requirements Thereof, So As To Include Similar Language; By Amending Section 44-79-30, Relating To Credit Contract Requirements, So As To Include Similar Language; And By Amending Section 59-102-100, Relating To Agency Contracts For Student Athletes, So As To Include Similar Language.
This bill aims to update various consumer protection laws by requiring specific information to be included in different types of contracts. For instance, it mandates that preneed funeral contracts, motor vehicle sales contracts, credit transactions, and other consumer agreements include a toll-free number and website for the Department of Consumer Affairs, along with a statement about where to direct questions or complaints.
This change would affect anyone entering into these types of contracts, ensuring they have easy access to consumer protection resources. The bill has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry for further review. It was prefiled in December 2024 and formally introduced on January 14, 2025. Recently, a scrivener's error was corrected on February 5, 2025.
The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced and referred to a committee. Further action will depend on the committee's review and recommendations.