READ FIRST TIME 02/01/08.   

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

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 web site 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 consumer protection web site. The web site shall serve as a one-stop web site for consumer information. At a minimum, the web site must provide 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) By July 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 web site.
     (3) By September 1, 2008, the department shall make the consumer protection web site available to the public.
     (4) After September 1, 2008, the department, in coordination with other state agencies, shall develop a plan on how to build upon the consumer protection web site to create a consumer protection portal. The plan must also include an examination of the feasibility of developing a toll-free information line to support the consumer protection portal. The plan must be submitted to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2008.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   (1) Within existing funds, the attorney general shall conduct a study to:
     (a) Determine the percentage of consumer complaints of possible consumer protection act violations received by its consumer resource centers that are resolved to the consumer's satisfaction; and
     (b) Develop possible sanctions that the attorney general may use if it determines that a consumer's complaint is legitimate and the business fails to provide the consumer with an adequate remedy or response.
     (2) The attorney general shall report its findings to the legislature by December 1, 2008.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   Section 3 of this act expires December 31, 2008.