The bill seeks to enhance consumer protection against medical debt by amending existing laws related to collection agencies and redefining "medical debt." It specifies that medical debt includes amounts owed to medical service providers, regardless of whether the bills are past due or have been paid. A significant new provision states that medical debt becomes void and unenforceable if reported to a consumer credit reporting agency in violation of the new regulations. This aims to strengthen consumer rights under the state's consumer protection act.

Additionally, the bill introduces several amendments to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) that clarify the responsibilities of collection agencies and prohibit harmful practices. These include banning unauthorized fees, threats of illegal actions, and excessive communications to debtors. Debt collectors are required to provide detailed itemized statements upon request, and medical debts cannot be reported to credit agencies unless specific conditions are met. Violations of these regulations are classified as unfair or deceptive acts, further protecting consumers and ensuring transparency in debt collection practices.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.16.100, 19.182.040, 70.41.400, 70.54.005
Substitute Bill: 19.16.100, 19.182.040, 70.41.400, 70.54.005
Engrossed Substitute: 19.16.100, 19.182.040, 70.41.400, 70.54.005
Bill as Passed Legislature: 19.16.100, 19.182.040, 70.41.400, 70.54.005
Session Law: 19.16.100, 19.182.040, 70.41.400, 70.54.005