(1) It shall be the duty of the Department of Justice to:

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(a) Coordinate consumer services carried on by state departments and agencies;

(b) Further consumer education;

(c) Conduct studies and research concerned with consumer services; receive, process, investigate and take action on complaints from consumers; and refer such complaints as require further action to appropriate agencies for enforcement;

(d) Inform the Governor and the Attorney General and other law enforcement agencies of violations of laws or rules affecting consumers as its investigations or studies may reveal;

(e) Advise the executive and legislative branches in matters affecting consumer interests;

(f) Study and report all matters referred to it by the Legislative Assembly or the Governor;

(g) Inform the public through appearances at federal and state committee, commission or department hearings of the policies, decisions or legislation beneficial or detrimental to consumers; and

(h) Evaluate consumer sales contracts for compliance with plain language standards under ORS § 180.545.

(2) Every state agency shall cooperate with the Department of Justice in carrying out its functions under this section.

(3) To assist in carrying out chapter 753, Oregon Laws 1971, there is created in the department a Consumer Advisory Council.

(a) The Consumer Advisory Council shall consist of seven members appointed by the Attorney General, two of whom shall represent business, two of whom shall represent labor, and three of whom shall represent voluntary consumer agencies.

(b) The members of the council shall be entitled to compensation and expenses computed as provided in ORS § 292.495.

(c) All meetings of the council shall be open and public and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting of the council. [1981 c.320 § 3; 1985 c.587 5,8; 1993 c.744 § 40]

180.520 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS Chapter 180 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

(Plain Language Review of Consumer Contracts)