The Governor recently signed ESSB 5531, which will amend the Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Effective July 26, 2009, the courts will have the discretion to award treble damages up to $25,000 for consumer law violations. In addition, ESSB 5531 modifies the test set forth in Hangman Ridge v. Safeco Title Ins. Co., making it much easier to prove the “public interest” element.

The amendment is a substantial victory for consumer advocates who have been pushing the Washington legislature to update the CPA. In fact, before this amendment the CPA’s treble damage provision had not been touched for some 20 years. It is the hope that this new legislation will give the CPA some teeth, protect Washington consumers, and curb shady business practices.