3046

COUNTY LOCAL LAWS

OFFICES TO BE KNOWN AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE
OFFICE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, SUBJECT TO THE
CONFIRMATION OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL. THE OFFICE SHALL
HAVE THE FOLLOWING DUTIES, POWERS AND AUTHORITY.

(A)    TO RECEIVE AND INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS
AND INITIATE ITS OWN INVESTIGATION OF DECEPTIVE OR

UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AGAINST CONSUMERS; TO HOLD
HEARINGS, COMPEL THE ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES,
ADMINISTER OATHS, TAKE THE TESTIMONY OF ANY PERSON
UNDER OATH AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, REQUIRE THE
PRODUCTION OF ANY EVIDENCE RELATING TO ANY MATTER
UNDER INVESTIGATION OR IN QUESTION BY THE OFFICE. AT
ANY HEARING, A WITNESS SHALL HAVE THE SIGHT TO BE
ADVISED BY COUNSEL PRESENT DURING SUCH HEARING.

(B)    TO ISSUE SUMMONSES TO COMPEL THE
ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES AND THE PRODUCTION OF
DOCUMENTS, PAPERS, BOOKS, RECORDS AND OTHER EVIDENCE
IN ANY MATTER OVER WHICH THIS LAW APPLIES.

(C)    TO ISSUE CEASE AND DESIST ORDERS WITH
RESPECT TO CONSUMER PRACTICES DECLARED TO BE IN
VIOLATION OF THIS LAW BY THE OFFICE.

(D)    TO REPORT TO APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENTAL
AGENCIES HAVING JURISDICTION OVER CONSUMER PROTECTION
MATTERS ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING VIOLATION OF ANY
CONSUMES PROTECTION LAWS.

(E)    TO PRESENT THE INTEREST OF CONSUMERS
BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGULATORY AGENCIES AND
LEGISLATIVE BODIES.

(F)    TO ASSIST, ADVISE AND COOPERATE WITH
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY AND
LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS TO
PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF THE MONTGOMERY
COUNTY CONSUMER PUBLIC.

(G)    TO ASSIST, DEVELOP AND CONDUCT
PROGRAMS OF CONSUMER EDUCATION AND INFORMATION THROUGH
PUBLIC HEARINGS, MEETINGS, PUBLICATIONS OR OTHER
MATERIALS PREPARED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE CONSUMER
PUBLIC OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

(H) TO UNDERTAKE ACTIVITIES TO ENCOURAGE
LOCAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY TO MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS
OF HONESTY, FAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PUBLIC
RESPONSIBILITY IN THE PRODUCTION, PROMOTION AND SALE