BILL REQ. #:  H-4740.1 

Read first time 01/23/08.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to improving outreach to consumers through creation of a consumer protection web site and information line; adding new sections to chapter 43.105 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that in an era of consumer product recalls, increasing state emphasis on quality ratings and accountability, and decreasing resources at the federal level for consumer protection, there may be a gap in outreach to consumers in the state. The legislature further finds that many state agencies provide helpful information to consumers, but consumers may not always know where to look to find such information. To remedy this potential information gap, the legislature declares that a "one-stop" consumer protection portal and helpline should be created so that consumers in Washington state have access to clear and appropriate information regarding consumer services that are available to them across state government.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 43.105 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall coordinate among state agencies to develop a web site to serve as a consumer protection portal. The department shall use the business portal and the office of regulatory assistance portal as a model. The web site shall serve as a one-stop web site for consumer information. At a minimum, the web site must provide information or links to information on:
     (a) Insurance information provided by the office of the insurance commissioner, including information on how to file consumer complaints against insurance companies, how to look up authorized insurers, and how to learn more about health insurance benefits;
     (b) Child care information provided by the department of early learning, including how to select a child care provider, how child care providers are rated, and information about product recalls;
     (c) Financial information provided by the department of financial institutions, including consumer information on financial fraud, investing, credit, and enforcement actions;
     (d) Health care information provided by the department of health, including health care provider listings and quality assurance information;
     (e) Home care information provided by the home care quality authority, including information to assist consumers in finding an in-home provider;
     (f) Licensing information provided by the department of licensing, including information regarding business, vehicle, and professional licensing; and
     (g) Other information available on existing state agency web sites that could be a helpful resource for consumers.
     (2) The department shall develop navigation and display standards for the consumer protection portal to ensure a consistent end-user experience.
     (3) By September 1, 2008, state agencies shall report to the department on whether they maintain resources for consumers that could be made available through the consumer protection portal.
     (4) The department shall make the consumer protection portal available to the public by December 1, 2008.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 43.105 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall create a toll-free information line to assist consumers in accessing services available through the consumer protection portal created under section 2 of this act.
     (2) On an annual basis, the department shall review the usage of the toll-free information line and report to the legislature on whether it is a cost-effective resource for consumers.
     (3) The department may discontinue the toll-free information line if it is no longer a cost-effective resource for consumers.