Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Business & Financial Services Committee

HB 1064

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Prohibits a locksmith business from misrepresenting its geographic location in its business name or in its listing of a local telephone number in a directory or on an internet web site.

Background:

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) prohibits unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce. The CPA may be enforced by private legal action or through a civil action by the Attorney General. Any person injured by a violation of the CPA may seek actual damages, costs, and attorney's fees. The court may triple the amount of damages awarded but not to exceed $25,000.

Summary of Bill:

Locksmiths are prohibited from misrepresenting their geographic location by listing a local telephone number in a local telephone directory or on an internet web site if calls to the number are routinely forwarded to a location outside the calling area covered by the directory and the listing fails to conspicuously disclose the locality and state in which the business is located.

Locksmiths are also prohibited from listing a business name in a local telephone directory or an internet web site if the name misrepresents the geographic location of the business and the listing fails to disclose the locality and state of the business.

Violations of the prohibitions of this act are considered unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition.