Code of Vermont Rules Agency 06 - OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
The Code of Vermont Rules, Agency 06, is dedicated to the Office of the Attorney General (AGO). The AGO is the chief legal office for the State of Vermont, responsible for representing state government, protecting the public interest, and enforcing state laws.
While the Attorney General's primary role is statutory and involves legal representation and enforcement, the office also has the authority to issue administrative rules (regulations) to clarify and implement certain state laws, particularly in areas where it has consumer protection or enforcement responsibilities.
Here's a breakdown of the typical sub-agencies and types of rules you would find under Agency 06:
1. Sub-Agency 020 - CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION:
This sub-agency likely contains rules related to the AGO's role in criminal justice matters. While much of criminal law is statutory, there might be regulations pertaining to:
Law Enforcement Training Standards: In some states, the AG's office has a role in setting standards for law enforcement training or certifications, or for specific types of investigations.
Victim Services: Regulations related to victim compensation or assistance programs that the AGO might oversee or administer.
Forensic Science Standards: Rules related to the use of forensic evidence or the operation of state forensic labs.
2. Sub-Agency 031 - CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION: This is a very significant area where the Attorney General's office frequently promulgates rules. These rules interpret and implement the Vermont Consumer Protection Act and other consumer-related statutes. Examples of rules found here include:
Definitions (RULE CF 100): General definitions applicable to consumer protection rules.
Chain Distributor Schemes (Rule CF 101): Rules addressing pyramid schemes or multi-level marketing.
Bait Advertising (RULE CF 103): Regulations prohibiting deceptive advertising practices where a product is advertised to lure customers but then not readily available or pushed towards a more expensive alternative.
Debt Collection (RULE CF 104): Standards of conduct for debt collectors to prevent unfair or deceptive practices.
Deceptive Pricing (RULE CF 110): Rules against misleading pricing strategies.
Disclosure of Refund Policy (RULE CF 106): Requirements for businesses to clearly state their refund policies.
Odometers (RULE CF 108): Regulations related to odometer tampering or misrepresentation in vehicle sales.
Substitution of Products/Failure to Deliver (RULE CF 105): Rules addressing situations where consumers receive a different product than advertised or don't receive what they've paid for.
Regulation of Propane (CONSUMER FRAUD RULE CF 111): Specific regulations for the sale and pricing of propane.
Fair Credit Reporting (RULE CF 112): Rules related to the accuracy and use of credit reports.
Automobile Advertising (RULE CF 118): Detailed regulations on how car dealers can advertise vehicles, including pricing disclosures, "factory" and "executive" vehicle claims, and savings claims.
Contests and Prizes (RULE CF 109): Rules designed to prevent deceptive practices in sweepstakes, contests, and prize promotions.
Telephonic Home Solicitation Sales (RULE CF 113): Regulations for telemarketing calls and sales.
Rent-to-Own Disclosures (RULE CF 115): Requirements for clear disclosures in rent-to-own agreements.
General Role of the Attorney General's Regulations:
The rules promulgated by the Office of the Attorney General serve several key purposes:
Clarification: They provide detailed interpretations of broad statutory language, making it clearer for businesses and consumers to understand their rights and obligations.
Enforcement: They establish clear standards of conduct, making it easier for the AGO to enforce consumer protection laws and take action against violators.
Public Protection: They aim to prevent deceptive, unfair, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace and to ensure fair treatment for consumers.
To find the most current and authoritative version of these rules, you should consult the official publications of the Vermont Secretary of State or reliable legal databases that compile state administrative codes, such as Justia and Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute (LII). The Vermont Attorney General's official website also often provides summaries or direct links to relevant regulations, particularly in the consumer protection area.
RELATED Blog
0 comments