The Consumer Federation of America has adopted a number of HALT's chief legal reform proposals.

In March, 2006, HALT Associate Counsel Suzanne Blonder was reappointed Chair of the Vulnerable Consumers Subcommittee for a third year. As Chair, she successfully urged the Consumer Federation of America to incorporate the following legal reform provisions into its 2006 Policy Resolutions Manual:

Enhancements to Probate Web Sites: "CFA urges states to improve the content and user-friendliness of their probate court Web sites. Consumers should be able to go online and easily find plain-language information and forms for settling a small estate."

Formation of Access to Justice Commissions in Every State: "CFA calls for all states to establish access to justice commissions - formal state-level bodies dedicated to expanding and improving access to the civil justice system in the state. Consumers should be represented on each commission."

Introduction of Electronic Filings in Courthouses: "CFA calls for courts to institute electronic filing systems that allow pro se litigants to file cases over the Internet. Such e-filing systems should exist as an alternative to filing at the courthouse, and should not diminish the resources available to those without Internet access."

Improvements to Mandatory Fee Dispute Arbitration System: "CFA urges state bars to utilize arbitration systems to handle fee dispute matters between clients and attorneys. In the event that the consumer chooses to pursue this forum, it should be mandatory for the lawyer to participate. At least half of the members of every arbitration panel should be non-lawyers. Results of arbitration should be public information."

The Consumer Federation of America has also adopted other HALT proposals in the past. Click the links above at right to view proposals adpoted in past years.