Washington antitrust penalties now among nation’s strongest

OLYMPIA — Washington state’s maximum penalties for antitrust violations like price-fixing and collusion will be among the strongest in the nation after the Legislature approved a bill last night sponsored by Rep. Darya Farivar, D-Lake City, and requested by Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

AG Ferguson offers the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill 5427

OLYMPIA — Today, the Legislature adopted legislation sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, creating a statewide hate crimes hotline in the Attorney General’s Office.

The bill, Senate Bill 5427, passed the House in a 56-39 vote. The Senate passed the bill in early February with a bipartisan 30-18 vote. It will now head to Gov. Inslee for his signature.