The bill amends the Michigan Consumer Protection Act by adding a new section, 8a, which outlines the procedures for the Attorney General or a prosecuting attorney to demand information relevant to investigations of violations of the act. Under this new section, if there is reasonable cause to believe that a person possesses relevant information or materials, the Attorney General or prosecuting attorney may issue a written demand for the person to appear for examination, answer interrogatories, or produce documents. The demand must include specific details about the investigation, including a description of the alleged violation and the materials requested, as well as the rights of the person to object to the demand.

Additionally, the bill modifies section 15 to clarify that a prosecuting attorney may conduct investigations and prosecute actions under the act in the same manner as the Attorney General, except as provided in the new section 8a. The bill also establishes penalties for non-compliance with the written demand, including civil fines, and sets confidentiality requirements for any information obtained until an enforcement action is initiated. The Attorney General or prosecuting attorney may disclose the information under certain circumstances, such as to law enforcement or if ordered by a court.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 445.915