SELECTED CONSUMER VICTORIES

1998- Consumer protections for hearing aid purchases are dramatically overhauled and strengthened

1995- Consumers win victories through a prohibition on merchant's use of social security numbers written on the backs of checks as proof of consumer's identification; extension of New York's anti-ticket scalping law; and allowance for a 3-day "cooling off" period after making certain credit card purchases via phone.

1994- NYPIRG adds key consumer protections to a banking deregulation bill. The bill protects consumers who lease cars, sets up a credit card information hotline to help consumers compare credit cards, and requires banks to provide inexpensive "lifeline" account services.

1992- NYPIRG champions the creation of the Citizens Utlity Board (CUB) designed to provide a consumer voice to utility decision making.

1991- NYPIRG supports legislation that makes it easier for consumers to collect small claims judgements.

1989- NYPIRG wins a 2 year extension of the Item Pricing Law.

1988- NYPIRG secures passage of a federal law limiting the number of days that financial institutions can place holds on checking account funds. NYPIRG also helps organize a veto of legislation might have increased milk prices.

1987- NYPIRG fights against an effort to end credit card grace periods.

1983 - The Lemon Law is passed, which requires manufacturers to replace or refund the money for certain defective vehicles. NYPIRG helps create a small claims court for homeowners to challenge their property tax assesment.

1981- NYPIRG secures passage of the Utility Bill of Rights to provide users with various protections.

1980- The Private Right of Action Law, which allows consumers to sue businesses for false advertising, is passed with NYPIRG's support.

1979- Important Small Claims Court reforms are enacted with NYPIRG's support.

1978- NYPIRG defeats product liability legislation that would have limited consumers' rights to financial compensation for injuries caused by defective products.

1977- The Plain English Law, which requires that all contracts for goods and services under $50,000 be written in non-technical language, is one of NYPIRG's victories this year.

1976- NYPIRG wins passage of the Item Pricing Law, which requires that most foods sold in supermarkets bear price tags, and establishes Small Claims Court Action Centers to counsel consumers on their legal rights.

1975- The Hearing Aid Sales Practice Act, which requires prescriptions for the sale of hearing aids to prevent consumer fraud, is adopted.