PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia City Council will consider beefing up consumer protections under a bill introduced on behalf of Mayor Cherelle Parker at its Thursday meeting.
The new bill, sponsored by Councilmember Rue Landau, supports Parker’s desire for a consumer protection measure in the city.
Landau says Philadelphians who get ripped off by unscrupulous business practices can report the problem to the state attorney general or the district attorney. However, those agencies are often overwhelmed with cases, leaving victims with no recourse.
Her bill would remedy that, allowing the city solicitor to bring action in Common Pleas Court and seek fines, damages and restitution. The action could tackle misleading financing plans, deceptive sales practices, knowingly selling defective products or making false claims about a product.
“The law is written in such a broad way that we’ll be able to handle a variety of issues,” said Landau. “It’s a great day for Philadelphia to be able to protect itself and protect its residents.”
Landau also wants to hold hearings on regulations for streeteries, which she says are posing challenges for restaurant owners.
Meanwhile, Councilmember Jim Harrity wants to protect car owners from rutted streets caused by contractors who fail to properly fill in construction holes.
“It drives me crazy when they get labeled potholes,” he said. “People need to be able to drive on our roads without losing their suspension or a tire.”
Under his bill, negligent contractors could be fined or have their license suspended.