300.  This chapter may be cited as the Consumer Affairs Act.



301.  It is the intent of the Legislature and the purpose of this
chapter to promote and protect the interests of the people as
consumers.  The Legislature finds that vigorous representation and
protection of consumer interests are essential to the fair and
efficient functioning of a free enterprise market economy.  The
Legislature declares that government advances the interests of
consumers by facilitating the proper functioning of the free
enterprise market economy through (a) educating and informing the
consumer to insure rational consumer choice in the marketplace; (b)
protecting the consumer from the sale of goods and services through
the use of deceptive methods, acts, or practices which are inimical
to the general welfare of consumers; (c) fostering competition; and
(d) promoting effective representation of consumers' interests in all
branches and levels of government.



302.  As used in this chapter, the following terms have the
following meanings:
   (a) "Department" means the Department of Consumer Affairs.
   (b) "Director" means the Director of the Department of Consumer
Affairs.
   (c) "Consumer" means any individual who seeks or acquires, by
purchase or lease, any goods, services, money, or credit for
personal, family, or household purposes.
   (d) "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation,
limited liability company, association, or other group, however
organized.
   (e) "Individual" does not include a partnership, corporation,
association, or other group, however organized.
   (f) "Division" means the Division of Consumer Services.
   (g) "Interests of consumers" is limited to the cost, quality,
purity, safety, durability, performance, effectiveness,
dependability, availability, and adequacy of choice of goods and
services offered or furnished to consumers and the adequacy and
accuracy of information relating to consumer goods, services, money,
or credit (including labeling, packaging, and advertising of
contents, qualities, and terms of sales).



303.  There is in the department a Division of Consumer Services
under the supervision and control of a chief.  The chief shall be
appointed by the Governor and shall serve at his pleasure.  His
compensation shall be fixed by the director in accordance with law.