The mission of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation is to provide consumer protection, advocacy, and education to the Commonwealth’s citizens. The Office has general oversight authority and coordinates policy and planning for the following nine departments: the Division of Banks, the Division of Insurance, the Division of Registration, the Division of Standards, the State Racing Commission, the Board of Registration in Medicine, the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, the Department of Telecommunications and Energy (formerly the Department of Public Utilities), and the Division of Energy Resources.

In Fiscal Year 2000, the Office will oversee a consolidation effort affecting one of its agencies. The Division of Registration will assume licensing responsibilities that were formerly overseen by the Department of Public Safety, including the boards of: oil burner technicians, refrigeration technicians, heavy equipment and hoisting operators, theatrical booking agents, resale ticket agencies, public warehouses, and home improvement contractors. This consolidation effort will reduce costs and streamline business practices.

In addition to the consolidation effort outlined above, the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation will focus on:

• raising public awareness of privacy rights, which are particularly important in light of the proliferation of electronic commerce;
  


• expanding outreach to consumers through increased consumer education publications and expanded capacity to respond to consumer inquiries through the consumer hotline; and
  


• further reducing the regulatory burdens placed on businesses.

The amount recommended for Fiscal Year 2000 will enable the Office to provide the same level of services as in Fiscal Year 1999. Also included in this recommendation is a $67,500 increase to expand consumer outreach.