consumer protection | Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

consumer protection

Wilhelmi Legislation Protects Illinois Families and Communities

Wednesday, 03 August 2011 Wilhelmi Staff

Joliet, IL - Earlier today, Governor Pat Quinn (D-Chicago) traveled to Lewis University in Will County to sign two of State Senator AJ Wilhelmi’s (D-Joliet) bills improving community safety. One makes it easier for cities to address the problem of crime in rental properties, and the other protects homeowners—particularly seniors—from home repair fraud.

Senate Bill 1766 requires landlords to include language in all written leases stating that anyone who commits or allows another person to commit a crime on the premises can be evicted. It also enables municipalities to bring eviction actions to court on behalf of landlords.

Kotowski Bill Protecting Seniors and Families from Fraud becomes Law

Monday, 01 August 2011 Kotowski Staff

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dan Kotowski (D–Park Ridge) sponsored legislation ensuring that people who commit forgery with the intent to defraud are held accountable for their actions. Governor Pat Quinn recently signed that legislation, Senate Bill 2027, into law.

“This legislation takes an important step toward protecting our seniors and families from forgery and fraud,” Senator Kotowski said. “In recent years, identity theft has been on the rise, devastating the lives of many Illinoisans. This new law helps decrease these crimes and allows our law enforcement officials to punish those who commit forgery and fraud.”

Senator Hutchinson Strengthens Law to Protect Seniors, those with Disabilities

Monday, 23 May 2011 Hutchinson Staff

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) passed significant safety legislation out of the Senate today that strengthens the penalties for those accused of financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability.

"By increasing the fines for financial exploitation, we are sending the message that we are serious about protecting our seniors and those with disabilities," Hutchinson said. "Anyone who has heard a story about or been a victim of this type of scheme knows how financially and emotionally devastating this can be."

Collins Passes Bill to Protect Consumers from Unfair Tax Refund Loans

Tuesday, 12 April 2011 Collins Staff

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D - Chicago) passed Senate Bill 87 out of the Illinois Senate today which prohibits currency exchanges from providing tax refund anticipation loans.

Haine votes to protect seniors from misleading insurance sales

Friday, 11 March 2011 Haine Staff

Bill will create penalties for false certifications

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Senator William Haine (D – Alton), Chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee, voted in favor of a measure in the committee to prevent insurance producers from misleading senior citizen customers.

New Consumer Protection Law Prevents Unauthorized Charges

Tuesday, 03 August 2010 Maloney Staff

SPRINGFIELD, IL-Gov. Quinn has signed State Senator Ed Maloney’s (D-Chicago) plan to protect consumers from unfair, unauthorized charges. The new law prohibits companies from sending consumers products they do not want and then billing them.

Sometimes, when customers buy products or services, a company will automatically enroll them in a group or club. The company then charges them for membership fees or unwanted products. Customers often are not aware of these charges until they receive their credit card bills. Maloney’s legislation (House Bill 4698) requires companies to get their customers’ explicit consent before enrolling them in any group or club or sending them any additional merchandise.

"Companies shouldn’t be able to charge individuals for goods and services they don’t want," Maloney said. "It makes it more difficult for people to keep to their budgets."

AARP commends Governor for signing Wilhelmi consumer protection measure

Monday, 26 July 2010 Wilhelmi staff

Will Shield Consumers against Power of Attorney Abuses

title SPRINGFIELD – Governor Quinn signed into law House Bill 6477 – a piece of legislation that will create urgently needed protections for thousands of individuals, particularly older adults, who fall victim each year to financial abuse or exploitation at the hands of individuals entrusted with making financial decisions as powers of attorney.

HB 6477 was sponsored by State Representative Emily McAsey (D-Crest Hill) and State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi. The bill garnered strong bipartisan support before passing the House unanimously on March 25, and passing the Senate unanimously on April 29th. AARP, on behalf of its 1.7 million Illinois members, commends Governor Quinn for signing the bill into law.

Munoz works to warn the public about predatory lenders

Thursday, 22 July 2010 Munoz Staff

Springfield, Illinois —House Bill 5044 sponsored by State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) has been signed into law by Governor Quinn that will require the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to create a Spanish version of its website containing information about predatory lending.

"Predatory lending in Illinois has been on the increase during these tough economic times," Senator Munoz pointed out. "This measure will ensure that everyone throughout the state, including those who speak Spanish, is aware of their rights as homeowners. This new law will allow them to have information available to avoid the traps of predatory lenders."

Koehler’s Credit Card Reform Bill Signed into Law

Thursday, 22 July 2010 Koehler Staff

SPRINGFIELD—State Sen. Dave Koehler’s (D-Peoria) plan to protect Illinois credit card holders’ pocketbooks from corporate greed and bring Illinois’ credit card laws in line with new federal standards became law earlier today.

"I believe most people want to keep from building up too much credit card debt," Koehler said. "This credit card reform law will give them more of the tools they need to manage their finances."

Koehler’s legislation (House Bill 6412) requires credit card companies to notify their customers in writing whenever they make changes to the credit card agreement. It also requires the companies to provide at least 45 days notice before increasing interest rates and bans interest rate increases for the first year a customer holds an account.

Telecommunication bill signed into law by Governor Quinn

Tuesday, 15 June 2010 Jacobs Staff

SPRINGFIELD, IL –Legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Jacobs (D – Moline) to overhaul of the existing Telecommunications Act has been signed into law by Governor Quinn. The re-write of this act will promote competition among telephone carriers throughout the state.

"This competition amongst telecommunication companies will help to spur job creation and economic growth across Illinois," stated Senator Jacobs, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Telecommunications and Technology Committee. "Protecting Illinois consumers who use landline telephones and ensuring rates are locked-in for the next three years was the focus of this measure."

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