In recent years the increased complexity in such electronic home devices as television sets, especially color televisions, and stereo-tape component sets and the like, has created an aura of technical mystique as to the operation and repair of many of the consumers' home electronic appliances and a feeling of helplessness at the hands of repairmen and technicians. It has been the feeling of many consumers, legislators and members of the electronic repair trade itself that, as a result of the technical complexities involved in such repairs, there has been a large degree of consumer victimization in the form of overcharging, unnecessary repairs, and other similar acts and practices detrimental to the consumer and the industry as a whole. In order to study the need for legislation which might remedy this problem, the General Assembly enacted House Joint Resolution No. 107 at its 1970 session.

To assist him in his study and recommendations, the Administrator of Consumer Affairs appointed a committee of distinguished citizens from both the consumer and business segments of the community. The list of committee members follows: Mrs. Doris E. Behre, Virginia Citizens Consumer Council, Inc.; Frank Blount, Virginia Electronics Association, Inc.; Claude D. Fryman, General Electric Company; Honorable Frederick T. Gray, Member, Senate of Virginia; Vernon E. LaPrade, Virginia Electronics Association of Richmond; J. T. Mathews, Sears Roebuck & Company; Mrs. James M. Minor, Jr., Virginia Federation of Women's Clubs; R. M. Price, Esquire, Wards Company., Inc.; Mrs. James B. Roberts, Virginia Federation of Women's Clubs; Clifford Shaw, Virginia Electronics Association; and Mrs. J. A. Throckmorton, Virginia League of Women Voters. Also assisting the committee in the study were The Honorable M. B. Rowe, Commission of Agriculture and Commerce, and Sumpter T. Priddy, Jr., Virginia Retail Merchants Association.

Legal advice, research and drafting assistance was provided by Assistant Attorney General William T. Lehner of ·the Attorney General's Division of Consumer Counsel.

The study included three public hearings, one each at Richmond, Roanoke, and Fairfax and also numerous meetings and conferences with the committee itself in the appraisal of problems presented and solutions.