Attorney General’s foreclosure rescue fraud and online promotions bills scheduled for public hearings this week
OLYMPIA, WA – January 18, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) – Two bills requested by Attorney General Rob McKenna that would protect Washington consumers are scheduled for public hearings this week.
- Protecting Washington residents from mortgage foreclosure scams
The House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a public hearing concerning HB 1132 at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, in the John L. O’Brien building, House Hearing Room A.
Last year the Legislature passed a law that governs transactions between purchasers and homeowners whose homes are in foreclosure or in danger of foreclosure. The proposed bill, requested by the Attorney General’s Office, Department of Licensing and Department of Financial Institutions, seeks to exempt licensed real estate agents from the definition of a “distressed home consultant” and provides a safe harbor for those purchasing a distressed home outright within 20 days of the foreclosure sale.
It is prime-sponsored by Rep. Roger Goodman, D- Kirkland, and co-sponsored by Reps. Jay Rodne, R-Snoqualmie; Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle; Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake; Marcie Maxwell, D-Renton; Charles Ross, R-Naches; Deb Eddy D-Kirkland, Larry Springer, D-Kirkland; Norm Johnson, R- Yakima, Rep. Troy Kelley, D- University Place; Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum.
A companion bill, SB 5221, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection. the bill is prime-sponsored by Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Medina; Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside; Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle; Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island; Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, and Janéa Holmquist, R-Moses Lake.
- Safeguarding Consumers: Prizes, Promos and Privacy
The House Committee on Commerce and Labor has scheduled a public hearing concerning HB 1192 at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in the John L. O’Brien building, House Hearing Room B.
The proposed bill would update the state’s Prizes and Promotions Act (RCW 19.170) and Unsolicited Goods Act (RCW 19.56) to address Internet promotions and “free trials.” It would bring state laws into the Internet age by making sure Internet promotions are held to the same standard as direct mail and ensure sellers obtain a customer’s express agreement to receive and pay for goods prior to seeking payment.
The bill is prime-sponsored by Rep. Dawn Morrell, D-Puyallup; and co-sponsored by Reps. Kevin Parker, R-Spokane; Phyllis Kenney, D-Seattle, and Troy Kelley, D-University Place.
A companion bill, SB 5210, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection. Also requested by the Attorney General’s Office, the bill is prime-sponsored by Sen. Jean Berkey, D-Everett, and co-sponsored by Sens. Janéa Holmquist, R-Moses Lake; Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle; Darlene Fairley, D-Lake Forest Park; Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma; Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, and Paull Shin, D-Edmonds.
More information on the Attorney General’s proposed legislative package is available online at http://atg.wa.gov/2009Legislation.aspx.
Contact:
Kristin Alexander, Media Relations Manager – Seattle, (206) 464-6432
