BILL REQ. #:  S-0676.1 

Read first time 02/04/09.   Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.

     AN ACT Relating to the early termination of wireless communications device contracts; and adding a new chapter to Title 19 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) A contract for a wireless communications device may be canceled upon the request of a subscriber for any reason up to thirty days after entering into the contract without the subscriber incurring any early termination fees.
     (2) Any early termination fees beyond the initial thirty-day period must be prorated equally among the remaining term of the wireless communications device contract.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The legislature finds that the practices covered by this chapter are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW. A violation of this chapter 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.