The proposed bill aims to prohibit gender-based price discrimination for substantially similar goods in Washington State. It establishes that businesses cannot charge different prices for goods marketed to different genders unless the price difference is justified by factors such as manufacturing time, difficulty, costs, labor, materials, or other gender-neutral reasons. The bill empowers the attorney general to investigate violations and seek court injunctions against businesses found to be in violation, without needing to prove that any individual has been harmed.

Additionally, the bill defines key terms such as "business," "goods," and "substantially similar," clarifying that differences in color do not constitute substantial differences for pricing purposes. It emphasizes that such discriminatory pricing practices are considered unfair or deceptive acts in trade, thereby falling under the purview of the consumer protection act. This legislation is intended to enhance consumer rights and promote fair pricing practices in the marketplace.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.86.140