Consumer protection information just a click away

Legislature clears Liias' bill

March 8, 2008

OLYMPIA, WA – The Senate unanimously passed a bill yesterday that will create a consumer protection web site specifically for Washington residents.  Rep. Marko Liias (D – Mukilteo) introduced the bill this session to give consumers a ‘one-stop’ resource for consumer-related information.  It passed the House unanimously last month, and is now headed to the governor’s desk for signature.

“This web site will ease confusion for consumers who are seeking information or trying to file a consumer-related complaint,” Liias said.  “It basically will consolidate information that is available from a variety of state agencies into one, user-friendly place.”

The web site will include links to a variety of topics, from health care provider listings to product recalls to information about identity theft.  It is slated for a September 1, 2008 launch.

“We’re living in an era of increasing emphasis on quality ratings and accountability, yet there are decreasing resources at the federal level for consumer protection,” Liias said.  “It creates a gap in consumer outreach, which this web site will fill.”

The bill cleared the Senate before Friday’s cutoff for bills from the opposite chamber.  The 2008 legislative session is scheduled to conclude on March 13.