Sec. 6. Enforcement by States

320 words·~1 min read·/bill/118/s/3457/is/section-6

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

In any case in which the attorney general of a State has reason to believe that an interest of the residents of the State has been or is threatened or adversely affected by the engagement of any person in a practice that violates section 3 of this Act, the attorney general of the State may, as parens patriae, bring a civil action on behalf of the residents of the State in an appropriate district court of the United States— to enjoin further violation of such provision by such person; to compel compliance with such provision; and to obtain damages, restitution, or other compensation on behalf of such residents.

Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent the attorney general of a State from exercising the powers conferred on the attorney general by the laws of the State to conduct investigations, to administer oaths or affirmations, or to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documentary or other evidence. Any action brought under subsection

(a)may be brought in— the district court of the United States that meets applicable requirements relating to venue under section 1391 of title 28, United States Code; or another court of competent jurisdiction. In an action brought under subsection (a), process may be served in any district in which the defendant— is an inhabitant; or may be found. In addition to civil actions brought by attorneys general under subsection (a), any other consumer protection officer of a State who is authorized by the State to do so may bring a civil action under subsection (a), subject to the same requirements and limitations that apply under this subsection to civil actions brought by attorneys general. Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit an authorized official of a State from initiating or continuing any proceeding in a court of the State for a violation of any civil or criminal law of the State.