WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Consumer protection measure, aimed at protecting seniors, passes House

OLYMPIA – The State House passed important consumer protection legislation with an 83 to 13 vote which protects seniors living in retirement communities in the State.

In Washington State, there are over two dozen Continuing Care Retirement Communities that provide continuing care for seniors.

The legislation provides important consumer protections for seniors in these communities by creating transparency in the costs and fees in these facilities.  The legislation also establishes important expectations for residents.

The Washington State House of Representatives convenes for floor debate February 10th, the 31st day of the 2016 legislative session.

“Moving into a retirement community is one of the most important decisions that seniors make in our state as we age,” said prime sponsor of the bill Rep. Brady Walkinshaw (D-Seattle).  “It’s essential that we have open, transparent access to the costs and fees of these communities, and the protections under the state’s Consumer Protection Act for residents.”

The bill is modeled on recent legislation passed in Connecticut.

The measure now moves to the Senate for further consideration.