Bill H. 3658 seeks to enhance consumer protection in South Carolina by amending various sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws to require the inclusion of specific consumer information in contracts and agreements. The bill mandates that preneed funeral contracts, consumer credit sales, motor vehicle sales contracts, and other consumer agreements must include the toll-free telephone number and website for the Department of Consumer Affairs, along with a statement indicating that questions or complaints may be directed to the department. This requirement aims to improve consumer access to resources for addressing concerns and enhance transparency across multiple sectors.

Additionally, the bill introduces amendments related to prepaid legal services, discount medical plans, service contracts, pawn tickets, and continuing care retirement community contracts, ensuring they also contain similar consumer information. It further clarifies requirements for contracts related to physical fitness services and athlete agent agreements, stipulating that contracts exceeding three months or $200 must be in writing and include essential details such as the center's address, finance charges, cancellation rights, and a toll-free number for the Department of Consumer Affairs. The bill also specifies that athlete agent contracts must include the agent's registration status and payment structure, thereby promoting better consumer awareness and protection. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 32-7-20, 37-2-305, 37-2-307, 37-3-305, 37-6-202, 37-6-204, 37-11-35, 37-16-50, 37-17-52, 39-61-110, 40-39-80, 44-79-30, 59-102-100
02/05/2025: 32-7-20, 37-2-305, 37-2-307, 37-3-305, 37-6-202, 37-6-204, 37-11-35, 37-16-50, 37-17-52, 39-61-110, 40-39-80, 44-79-30, 59-102-100
Latest Version: 32-7-20, 37-2-305, 37-2-307, 37-3-305, 37-6-202, 37-6-204, 37-11-35, 37-16-50, 37-17-52, 39-61-110, 40-39-80, 44-79-30, 59-102-100