Andrade’s language preventing deceptive consumer sales added to HB 1273

Yesterday, Jan. 13, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) strengthened consumer protections for Indiana taxpayers by successfully incorporating key language he authored into House Bill 1273, a bill he co-authored. His language would expand the scope of the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.

The language expands the definition of a “consumer transaction” to include the provision of goods or services to state and local government agencies. The bill also updates the definition of “supplier” to ensure that entities doing business with state and local governments are held to the same standards as those serving individual consumers. These changes, through the Consumer Protections Division, would give clearer authority for legal action when state and local agencies are treated unfairly or deceptively by vendors.

Andrade released the following statement:

“This is a great step toward protecting taxpayers and ensuring accountability when state and local agencies enter into contracts. We’ve seen situations where public entities are left in limbo with little recourse when something goes wrong. This bipartisan effort makes sure suppliers are held accountable, which ultimately protects everyone involved in a consumer transaction and helps safeguard public dollars.”