S-0611.1                   _______________________________________________

                                                     SENATE BILL 5144

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State of Washington                              53rd Legislature                             1993 Regular Session

By Senator Winsley

Read first time 01/15/93.  Referred to Committee on Labor & Commerce.

Prohibiting the sale or purchase of a credit card number by a person other than the cardholder.

          AN ACT Relating to the sale or purchase of a credit card number by a person other than the cardholder; and adding a new section to chapter 62A.3 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 62A.3 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) No person, company, partnership, or corporation may mail, distribute, sell, or purchase or attempt to mail, distribute, sell, or purchase a credit card, charge plate, or a like instrument or information contained on it, including, but not limited to, the credit card number to any other person, firm, or corporation unless the cardholder has expressly authorized, in writing, the mailing, distribution, sale, or purchase.

          (2) This section does not apply to the renewal of a credit card, charge plate, or like instrument or device unless the recipient has previously indicated in writing the intention that the renewal not be effected, nor does this section apply to the replacement of any such instrument or device by the issuer during the period the instrument or device is in effect.

          (3) The legislature finds the practices covered by this section are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the Consumer Protection Act, chapter 19.86 RCW.  Violations of this section are not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business.  A violation of this section 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.

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