We need these consumer laws now

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By Christopher Elliott

If you’ve ever said, “There ought to be a law,” then you’re one of a million frustrated consumers. And you are not alone.

Vast tracts of the commercial landscape are poorly regulated — or completely unregulated. Sometimes, it’s because technology develops so quickly that the rules can’t keep up with it. American privacy regulations are a good example of that. Other times, consumer protection laws have been weakened or eliminated by influential lobbyists or campaign contributions. That’s what has happened with airlines.

Question is, which rules do we need now?

Make airline fees fair again

The Forbid Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous (FAIR) Fees Act, introduced last year by Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., is still alive and kicking around Congress. It would prohibit airlines from imposing fees that are unreasonable or disproportionate to the costs incurred by the air carrier.

Why we need it: Airline fees are out of control. Some ticket change fees are over $700, which can easily eat up the entire cost of your fare

Who’s against it: Airlines and their surrogates say the law would effectively “re-regulate” the airline industry.

Stop frivolous lawsuits against consumers

The Speak Free Act, which is expected to be considered by Congress soon, allows any person to make a special motion to dismiss a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) suit that has been frivolously filed against them (Learn how to fix your own consumer problems). The Speak Free Act would allow consumers to quickly end these suits before they run up legal bills. Supporters say the law also would encourage consumers to offer honest feedback in online forums and social media without fear of retribution.

Why we need it: Businesses with access to big law firms can suppress free speech without this law. (It’s happened to me.)

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Who’s against it: Trial lawyers.

Don’t let your boss take your Facebook password

“It’s not against the law for a possible employer to ask you to look through your social media accounts during a job interview,” says Andrew Selepak, a professor in the department of telecommunication at the University of Florida, and director of the graduate program in social media. The proposed federal Password Protection Act would forbit employers from requiring or requesting employees or job applicants to provide password information for their social media and email accounts as a condition of employment.

Why we need it: More employers are asking for passwords.

Who’s against it: Employers who ask for passwords.

Stop bad presettlement loans

Accident victims find themselves in dire financial situations after an accident and injury. As a result, a cottage industry has developed that lends presettlement money to these consumers. “The rates and fees are astronomical,” says Michael Manoussos, a civil lawyer from Kew Gardens, N.Y. “Hedge funds are envious of the returns.” Both Vermont and Indiana recently passed legislation to regulate these legal funding mechanisms.

Why we need it: Presettlement loans are exempt from usury laws and lending regulation.

Who’s against it: Lenders.

Better overdraft and lending rules

“Lenders should have to assess the borrower’s ability to repay — without any exceptions,” says Liana Molina, director of community engagement at the California Reinvestment Coalition. Also needed: new overdraft rules. (Overdrafts, if calculated as a loan, would come with a 17,000 annual percentage rate, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB.)

Why we need it: These financial instruments prey on the weak and desperate.

Who’s against it: Predatory lenders.

What are the chances of these proposals becoming law? In this political environment, they’re not that great, say experts. And that’s too bad. These proposed rules could do a world of good for consumers and consumer advocates.

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Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can't. He's the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can't solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter. He is based in Panamá City.

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