Web site would be a 'one-stop resource' for Washington consumers

Liias bill would help fraud victims access information, file complaints

February 5, 2008

Olympia, WA – In 2006, the Federal Trade Commission reported 10,451 consumer fraud and identity theft complaints were lodged by Washington state citizens.  The Olympia metro area ranked 29th nationally in per-capita consumer fraud complaints; Yakima ranked 43rd per capita in ID theft complaints.  Yet victims don't always know where to turn for information and assistance.  Rep. Marko Liias (D - Mukilteo) wants to change that.  He'd like to see the state to create a "one-stop resource" for consumer protection information on the web, similar to what the federal government and states such as California have.

"If you have a concern with health care, do you go to the Insurance Commissioner, do you go to the Department of Health, or do you go to one of the quality commissions for our dentists or doctors?" Liias said on the House floor yesterday. "Consumers don't necessarily know where to go, and there's no central information to access these resources."

Liias' bill, HB 3144, is a phased approach which begins with the creation of a consumer protection web site later this year, and a study to move towards creation of a consumer protection portal, including a toll-free number.  The web site would be available by September.

"In a high-tech society like ours, consumers are vulnerable," Liias said.  "Lack of a central place for people to find the resources they need can be frustrating.  We already have a Business Portal for our state.  Why not one for consumers?" 

The House unanimously passed the bill, one of several pieces of consumer protection legislation passed on Monday.  It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

It was also Liias' first piece of legislation to pass since his appointment as the junior representative for the 21st district.  After the floor vote, his House colleagues recognized him with a round of applause, as is customary when a member passes his or her first bill.