HB 1126 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS PASSED LEGISLATURE)

     Provides that a licensee may collect or attempt to collect collection costs and fees, including contingent collection fees, as authorized by a written agreement or contract, between the licensee's client and the debtor, in the collection of a commercial claim.  The amount charged to the debtor for collection services shall not exceed thirty-five percent of the commercial claim.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1126

                   May 15, 2001

To the Honorable Speakers and Members,

  The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval, House Bill No. 1126 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to collection of business to business debts;"

     House Bill No. 1126 would have, in the case of commercial claims, authorized collection agencies to recover the collection costs and fees agreed to between a debtor and creditor, in addition to the underlying claim.

     Senate Bill No. 5331, which was signed into law on April 17, 2001, is identical to House Bill No. 1126.  House Bill No. 1126 is not needed, as it would create a double amendment to the state statutes.

     For this reason I have vetoed House Bill No. 1126 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor