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 do not have any specific priorities in mind for the 2009 session, but I will continue to work on health care reform and environmental protection - consumer issues for sure - in my interim committees.

Banning a Dangerous Flame Retardant - 2009
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 refi nanced 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 drivethrough 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
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.