SECTION 2. Additional duties

In addition to its other duties, the office shall:

(a) maintain a telephone information service;

(b) conduct surveys of consumer needs;

(c) investigate consumer problems in cooperation with the attorney general;

(d) publish educational brochures;

(e) establish programs and services to assist consumers in understanding their rights and responsibilities in consumer transactions;

(f) recommend and implement consumer protection policies;

(g) monitor the marketplace to promote fair and honest competition; and

(h) establish a trust fund for the purpose of consumer education and to further the office's other purposes and, to such extent the director shall have the powers provided in section six of chapter six A. Nothing herein shall restrict any official or agency not within said office from performing consumer-related responsibilities assigned to him or it by law.