BILL REQ. #:  H-0126.2 

Read first time 02/12/09.   Referred to Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance.

     AN ACT Relating to the interest rates of credit cards; adding a new chapter to Title 19 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) For the purposes of this section:
     (a) "Credit card" means a card, plate, booklet, credit card number, credit card account number, or other identifying symbol, instrument, or device that can be used to pay for, or to obtain, credit, goods, or services.
     (b) "Financial institution" has the same meaning as defined under RCW 30.22.041.
     (2) A financial institution that issues a credit card may not charge an interest rate in connection with the credit card that is in excess of the maximum rate allowed under RCW 19.52.020.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2    The legislature finds that the practices covered by section 1 of this act are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW. A violation of section 1 of this act is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   Sections 1 and 2 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 19 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is also invalid.