State Legislature 2013 session

[eridani]

23. Hearing on making for profit debt collection illegal 1/31

Debt Settlement Hearing: THURSDAY 1/31

There is no better time than now to make your voice heard on debt settlement. This Thursday we will be at the hearing for HB 1491 in Olympia. This is an important step to passing increased consumer protections and creating new rules and regulations on debt settlement in our state.

This bill would make it illegal for for-profit debt settlement companies to do business in Washington. Debt settlement companies (or debt adjusters) charge people high fees to negotiate down debt on the consumers’ behalf. The debt settlement model requires that households stop paying their creditors. Because consumers are not paying their debts, they end up suffering reduced credit scores, escalation of collection actions by creditors, collection lawsuits, and even bankruptcy. This leaves the consumer in worse financial situations because, on top of still owing the original debt, they now owe additional fees and penalties.

TAKE ACTION: Click here to let your lawmakers know you support HB 1491

Sign in at the hearing to register your support then testify to the legislature about your experience with debt settlement. Contact [e-mail] for help writing your testimony.

We hope to see you there!
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Debt Settlement hearing THURSDAY: 01/31/13 10:00 am
Business & Financial Services Committee
House Hearing Rm B- John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA


SUPPORT HB1491: Protect Washington Consumers

There is no better time than now to make your voice heard on debt settlement. This Thursday we will be at the hearing for HB 1491 in Olympia. This is an important step to passing increased consumer protections and creating new rules and regulations on debt settlement in our state.

But we can't do it alone, we need your help in spreading the word about debt settlement to gather support for HB 1491.

This bill would make it illegal for for-profit debt settlement companies to do business in Washington. Debt settlement companies (or debt adjusters) charge people high fees to negotiate down debt on the consumers’ behalf. The debt settlement model requires that households stop paying their creditors. Because consumers are not paying their debts, they end up suffering reduced credit scores, escalation of collection actions by creditors, collection lawsuits, and even bankruptcy. This leaves the consumer in worse financial situations because, on top of still owing the original debt, they now owe additional fees and penalties.

TAKE ACTION: Click below and enter your Zip Code to send your lawmakers a message to support HB 1491.
http://statevoices.salsalabs.com/o/30/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=484