Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 5, 1992 TAG: 9201050142
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By THOMAS BOYER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
CONSUMER RIGHTS BATTLES COMING
From the cost of insurance to safety stickers on new vans, questions of consumers' rights are sure to provoke lively debates and lobbying battles this year. Here are a handful of expected controversies:Utility rates: The State Corporation Commission plans to give electric and phone utilities rate increases before the regulators decide whether they're justified. Any excess money collected would have to be refunded, but the Virginia Citizens Consumer Council says it will try to block the SCC's new procedure.
\ Credit insurance: Virginia's chief insurance regulator and consumer groups are expected to push for a tighter rein on this lucrative industry, which sells policies that pay off loans if a borrower is killed or incapacitated. New regulations probably will be fought by insurers, banks and retailers.
\ Minivans: Auto-safety advocates long have questioned the safety of minivans, popular with families, because they don't have to meet the same stringent federal standards for crash protection as passenger cars. Sen. Charles Waddell, D-Loudoun County, has proposed requiring stickers to warn minivan buyers. The auto industry lobbied to defeat similar legislation last year.
\ MAKING YOUR VOICE HEARD:
\ Consumer issues generally
Virginia Citizens Consumer Council is a non-profit, non-political group that lobbies for consumers. Address: 1611 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington 22204. Phone: 703-892-0330.
Sen. Robert Scott, D-Newport News, serves on the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and has been active on consumer issues. Address: General Assembly Building, Richmond 23219. Phone 804-786-6886.
\ Insurance issues
Steven T. Foster, state insurance commissioner. Address: State Corporation Commission, 1220 Bank St., Richmond 23219. Information hot line: 1-800-552-7945.
Del. Frank Hargrove, R-Hanover County, is an insurance agent and a senior member of the House Corporations, Insurance and Banking Committee, where this legislation likely would go. Address: P.O. Box 406, Richmond 23203. Phone 786-6530.
Del. Clifton Woodrum, D-Roanoke, serves on the House Corporations, Insurance and Banking Committee. Address: General Assembly Building, Richmond 23219. Phone (804) 786-2898.
\ Minivans
Sen. Charles Waddell, General Assembly Building, Richmond 23219. Phone (804)-786-6881.
Del. Wallace Stieffen, D-Hampton, is an opponent of the legislation and a member of the key House Roads Committee. Address: General Assembly Building, Richmond 23219. Phone (804) 786-7191.