An act relating to consumer protection from abusive acts or practices

This bill prohibits businesses in Vermont from engaging in "abusive acts or practices" in commerce, directly affecting consumers and businesses operating within the state. It defines abusive practices as those that either materially interfere with a consumer's understanding of key risks/costs or take unreasonable advantage of a consumer's lack of understanding, inability to protect their interests, or reasonable reliance on the seller. The Attorney General is authorized to create rules enforcing these prohibitions, with violations of these rules considered evidence of unfair or deceptive conduct. The law applies to all consumer products and services, including real estate transactions, and aligns Vermont's interpretation with federal FTC Act standards.