37-23-4. Powers and duties of attorney general. The attorney general shall, in addition to other powers and duties vested in him by this or any other law:

(1) Receive and forward to appropriate agencies of the state for final processing and determination of complaints from any citizen of South Dakota relating to consumer affairs. It shall be the further responsibility of that agency to maintain records indicating the final disposition of any matters so referred;

(2) Advise the Governor as to all matters affecting the interests of the public consumer;

(3) Review state policies and programs of primary importance to consumers or to meet consumer needs which can be met appropriately through state action;

(4) Consider the aspects of state policies, programs, and operations wherein the view of consumers should be made available to state officials and the manner in which such views can be communicated to appropriate departments and agencies;

(5) Recommend the enactment of such legislation as he deems necessary to protect and promote the interest of the public as consumers;

(6) Appear before governmental departments, agencies, and commissions to represent and be heard on behalf of consumer interests, except before the interstate commerce commission, where specific authority to represent the public interest has been vested in the public utilities commission pursuant to § 49-3-27;

(7) Cooperate with and establish necessary liaison with consumer organizations;

(8) Assist in the coordination of federal, state, and municipal activities relating to consumer affairs; and

(9) Do such other acts which may be necessary to the exercise of powers and functions under this chapter.Source: SL 1969, ch 226, § 3; SL 1977, ch 387, § 2; SL 1987, ch 29, § 44.