General Functions, Powers & Duties

The [Consumer Counsel within the Department of Law] shall have the following functions, powers and duties:

(a)To coordinate the consumer protection activities of the departments, agencies, divisions, commissions and branches of the government of Guam concerned with consumer protection;

(b)To advise and make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on matters affecting consumers;

(c)To assist, advise and cooperate with federal, state and local agencies and officials to protect and promote the interests of the consumer public;

(d)To conduct investigations, research, studies and analysis of matters affecting the interests of consumers;

(e)To study the operation of laws affecting consumers and to recommend to the Governor and the Legislature new laws and amendments to laws in the consumers’ interest; COL120106 CH. 31 CONSUMER COUNSEL

(f)To investigate reported or suspected violations of laws enacted, and rules and regulations promulgated for the purpose of consumer protection and to enforce such laws, rules and regulations by bringing appropriate actions in either the Superior Court or District Court of Guam;

(g)To organize and hold conferences on problems affecting consumers; and to undertake activities to encourage business and industry to maintain high standards of honesty, fair business practices, and public responsibility in the production, promotion and sale of consumer goods and services;

(h)To provide a central clearinghouse of information by collecting and compiling all consumer complaints and inquiries and directing the complaining or inquiring party to the proper federal or territorial authorities;

(i)To propose and assist in the creation and development of consumer education programs;

(j)To represent the consumers’ interests before federal and territorial legislative hearings and executive commissions;

(k)To perform such other acts as may be incidental to the exercise of the functions, powers and duties set forth in this section;

(l)To publicize the services of the [Consumer Counsel]; and

(m)To solicit and accept contributions for carrying out the services and duties of the [Counsel]. The acceptance of contributions shall, in no way, interfere with or affect the judgment of the Consumer Counsel.