6/24/08-Gov. Jennifer Granholm recently announced that legislation is in the works that is intended to further help protect consumers in the state from being gouged at the fuel pump.
Granholm said she expects legislation to be introduced in the House that would expand the state attorney general’s authority to investigate excessive fuel prices. Court-ordered subpoenas based on probable cause no longer would be needed before proceeding with actions against suspected violators. It also would define what is considered to be grossly excessive pricing for goods and services.
Another bill would broaden the ability of the attorney general and local prosecutors to investigate anti-competitive conduct by fuel retailers.
Reps. Mary Valentine, D-Norton Shores, and Robert Dean, D-Grand Rapids, are expected to put the bills before lawmakers.