Other LanguagesA number of Attorney General Rob McKenna’s legislative priorities have survived the March 12 deadline to move out of the legislative house of origin and are scheduled for public hearings next week. These include several bills to safeguard consumers.
Youth Internet Safety: The Attorney General’s Office has been studying models used by other states to develop a highly effective digital forensics lab within the Washington State Patrol. SB 5184 is scheduled for a public hearing Tuesday, March 17, in the House Committee on Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. The hearing begins at 10 a.m. in the John L. O’Brien Building, House Hearing Room E.
Mortgage Law Fix: A bipartisan coalition of legislators, the state Department of Financial Institutions, and representatives of the real estate community worked closely with the Attorney General’s Office to see that real estate agents — who work with homeowners selling properties at risk of foreclosure — will be exempted from the law targeting equity skimming and foreclosure rescue scams. HB 1132 updates last year’s foreclosure rescue law to make sure that any homeowner who wants to sell their home rather than face foreclosure is able to find a real estate agent. The bill is scheduled for a public hearing Monday, March 16, in the Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce and Consumer Protection. The hearing begins at 10 a.m. in the Cherberg Building, Senate Hearing Room 4.
Lemon Law: The Attorney General’s Office requested legislation to meet changing consumer expectations, longer and more extensive warranties and other changes in the automotive industry. HB 1215 is scheduled for a public hearing Monday, March 16, in the Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce and Consumer Protection. The hearing begins at 10 a.m. in the Cherberg Building, Senate Hearing Room 4.
Tobacco Internet Sales: Responding to recent increases in tobacco sales to minors, the Attorney General’s Office requested legislation banning the sale of cigarettes through the Internet, correcting a loophole in Washington’s laws regarding age verification, taxation, public health goals and certification. SB 5340 is scheduled for a public hearing Tuesday, March 17, in the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness. The hearing begins at 1:30 p.m. in the John L. O’Brien Building, House Hearing Room A.