SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6237

BYSenators Lee, Warnke, Rasmussen, Conner and Kreidler; by request of Attorney General

Regulating sales of water treatment devices.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 18, 1990

Senate Staff:Jack Brummel (786-7428)

AS OF JANUARY 17, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The state does not currently regulate the sale of water treatment devices.  Such devices are usually installed either at an individual tap or elsewhere in the home to filter contaminants.  The Attorney General has found unfair and deceptive practices by some sellers of water treatment devices, including false and misleading statements as to the consumer's need for such devices, the risks of drinking water without them, and the effectiveness of such devices.  Homeowners may face losing homes when property liens used to secure financing for water treatment devices are foreclosed.

SUMMARY:

Unfair advertising, sales, and business practices relating to the sale of water treatment devices are prohibited.  Products which only claim to soften water are not considered water treatment devices.  Persons selling, leasing, or renting water treatment devices are prohibited from making any claim regarding the presence of contaminants in a consumer's water or the capacity of a water treatment device unless the claim is based on scientifically or medically accepted factual data.  Other proscribed practices are specified, including the prohibition of liens on real property to secure financing for water treatment devices.

A violation of these provisions constitutes a Consumer Protection Act violation.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 9, 1990