The bill amends Chapter 42-9 of the General Laws to establish a new section, 42-9-20, which creates a Bureau of Public Protection within the Department of Attorney General. This bureau will be led by a designated assistant attorney general and will consist of at least four units focused on consumer protection and antitrust enforcement, health care regulation and access, environmental protection and energy regulation, and the protection of civil rights. The attorney general will have the authority to appoint additional staff as needed and assign specific statutory positions to the bureau, including health care advocate, insurance advocate, civil rights advocate, lead advocate, environmental advocate, and antitrust division.

The bill grants the attorney general the power to investigate and take legal action against individuals or entities engaged in "persistent illegality," defined as an ongoing course of illegal conduct, or "repeated illegal acts," defined as more than one illegal act or an illegal act affecting more than one person, in business or governmental activities. The attorney general can apply to the superior court for orders to enjoin such illegal acts and seek restitution, damages, and penalties as set forth in existing law. The attorney general is also authorized to take proof, make determinations of relevant facts, and issue civil investigative demands in connection with these applications.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Attorney General to prepare and submit an annual report to the speaker of the house and the president of the senate by April 1 of each year. This report will include the number of investigations conducted, applications made to the superior court, outcomes of those applications, and any recommendations or noteworthy information deemed relevant by the department. This act will take effect upon passage.