Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 11, November 22, 2024
Section 28-2 - OrganizationA. Commission on Consumer Affairs: The Commission on Consumer Affairs is composed of nine members, one of whom is the Secretary of State serving ex officio and whose term coincides with the term of office. Four members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for terms of four years. Four members are elected by the General Assembly for terms of four years. The Commission elects its own chairman. The Commission is the policy-making and governing authority of the Department of Consumer Affairs, appoints the Administrator and is responsible for enforcement of the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code.B. Council of Advisors on Consumer Credit: The Council of Advisors on Consumer Credit consists of sixteen members, who are appointed by the Governor for terms of four years. One of the advisors is designated by the Governor as chairman. The Council advises and consults with the Administrator concerning the exercise of his powers under the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code and may make recommendations to the Administrator. Members may assist the Administrator in obtaining compliance with the Code.C. Office of Administrator of Consumer Affairs: The Administrator is appointed by the Commission on Consumer Affairs and serves at its pleasure. The Administrator is responsible to the Commission for faithfully administering and enforcing the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code.D. Deputy Administrators and Deputy Consumer Advocates: The Administrator, with the approval of the Commission, may designate such Deputies as he determines necessary to assist him in performing the duties he is required to perform under the S.C. Consumer Protection Code and other statutes enforced by the Department.E. Consumer Advocate: The Administrator of Consumer Affairs may be the Consumer Advocate or he may appoint the Consumer Advocate with approval of the Commission on Consumer Affairs. The Consumer Advocate must be an attorney qualified to practice in all South Carolina courts with a minimum of three years practice experience.F. Board of Financial Institutions: The Board of Financial Institutions is the governmental agency of the State of South Carolina which is referred to as "the Board of Bank Control" in Act 686 of 1976 amending the Consumer Protection Code and is sometimes referred to as "the Board" in the Rules, and which has responsibility for examinations and investigations (Consumer Protection Code Section 37-3-506 ) of institutions licensed or chartered by it, and through its Consumer Finance Division has responsibility for matters pertaining to licenses (Consumer Protection Code Sections 37-3-503 and 37-3-504 ), and records and annual reports (Consumer Protection Code Section 37-3-505 ).Amended by State Register Volume 17, Issue No. 2, eff February 26, 1993; State Register Volume 37, Issue No. 5, eff May 24, 2013.