Especially during a time of crisis for many Oregon families, it is important that the Legislature ensure that businesses treat consumers with fairness and respect. I continue to work on health care reform and environmental protection – consumer issues for sure – in my committees.

 The 2011 session was not the best for consumer protection… I was disappointed to see these three bills fail to pass and will continue to work to enact them into law:

• SB 695 would have limited exposure to BPA for infants and young children – just a small step toward protecting kids from various toxics they encounter every day. BPA additives in products like sippy cups and baby bottles leach into the human body, disrupting normal balance of hormones. Oregonians have a responsibility to protect their children and I support the efforts of this assembly to fully address this critical concern. In 2011, this bill passed the Senate and died in House committee.
• HB 3588 would have banned the sale of certain flavored smokeless tobacco products that resemble or are marketed as candy. I sponsored this bill because these products appeal to children and can attract them to tobacco use, they are marketed as a way around smoke-free laws, meaning smokers are less likely to quit, and their accidental ingestion could lead to poisonings in children. 
• HB 2957 would have forced banks to maintain foreclosed properties during a period of vacancy. This “good neighbor” bill would let the neighborhood continue to thrive despite a foreclosed property and keep the house in good condition for its future occupants.

Legislative Accomplishments

Free Trial Offers: Unscrupulous businesses often bring in customers with trial offers that automatically start charging fees. Sen. Suzanne Bonamici’s SB 292 requires consumers to consent to the terms of the offer, with strong disclosure and billing information requirements. 

Banning a Dangerous Flame Retardant – 2009 Session
SB 596 adds the potentially dangerous chemical decaBDE to the list of hazardous substances currently being phased out of the market due to potential public health risks.
 

Debt Collection Reform – 2009
SB 328 adds certain tactics used by some debt collectors to the Unlawful Debt Collection PracticesAct. The bill gives the Attorney General authority to pursue legal action against debt collectors who use unlawful practices such as threatening arrest, using obscene language, or attempting to collect interest or fees in excess of the actual debt. HB 2191 puts strict limits on fees debt settlement companies can charge, caps the amount they can take for settling the debt, puts limits on advertising claims and requires the companies to fully disclose their services to consumers. The bill also caps the amount of money a company can take monthly from the customer to pay off the debt.
 

Mortgage Reform – 2009
HB 2188 applies federal guidelines to our state to ensure sound underwriting of subprime loans to risky loan products known as negative amortization loans. SB 628 creates the opportunity for homeowners to have a conversation with their lender to determine whether their loan can be refinanced prior to facing foreclosure and funds additional housing counselors to help homeowners through the process. HB 2189 provides protections for home buyers by requiring loan originators to be licensed with the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services.
 

Menu Labeling – 2009
HB 2726 requires chain restaurants to provide detailed nutritional information on their menus and drive through displays.
 

Predatory Towing – 2009
HB 2578 cracks down on predatory towing by requiring notice before a vehicle is towed.
 

Consumer Protection Against Predatory Lending – 2007 Session
No Oregon family should face spiraling debt, bankruptcy, or the loss of the family car or home while those in the high-cost lending and check-cashing markets line their pockets. Ben voted yes on all four consumer protection bills approved by the House of Representatives. The last of these, HB 2871, reinforces the entire package by closing any possible loopholes. The interest rate on all consumer loans – and for all lenders – will be limited to 30 percent above the federal reserve discount rate, which is now 6.25 percent. This leaves room for profit while also protecting Oregon’s most vulnerable consumers.
 

Identity Theft – 2007
The passage of Senate Bill 583 – the Oregon Consumer Identity Theft Protection Act – means consumers will have more tools to protect themselves against identity theft and Oregon businesses will have standards to ensure the safety of the personal identifying information they maintain. Oregonians will be able to place a security freeze on their credit file maintained by a credit reporting agency.
 
Ban on Gift-Card Expiration Dates – 2007
HB 2513 prohibits the sale of gift cards that expire or lose value over time.