Brief Description: Placing restrictions on the marketing or merchandising of credit cards to students at the state's institutions of higher education.

Sponsors: Representatives Chase, Strow, Williams, Kirby, Ericks, Ormsby, Morrell and Haigh.

Hearing Date: 2/16/05

Staff: Jon Hedegard (786-7127).

Background:

Current law does not restrict the marketing of credit cards on the campuses of institutions of higher education.

Current law defines "institutions of higher education" as "the state universities, the regional universities, The Evergreen State College, the community colleges, and the technical colleges."

Summary of Bill:

Each state institution of higher education is required to develop policies regarding the marketing or merchandising of credit cards to students on their campus or property. Each school is responsible for developing its own official policies. In developing the policies, an institution must consider student comments.

The policies must consider and make decisions regarding:

• the registration of credit card marketers;
• limitations on the times and locations of marketing; and
• prohibitions on material inducements to complete credit card applications.

The policies must include:

• a requirement that marketers inform students about good credit management practices through programs including workshops, seminars, discussion groups, and films; and
• a requirement that makes the institution's official credit card marketing policy available to all students upon request.

The provisions do not apply:

• to newspapers, magazines or other similar publications; and
• within a financial services business regularly doing business on the institution's property.                  

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.