OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s proposal to establish a clearinghouse to connect current and former service members in Washington state to pro bono legal service providers passed the Senate today in an overwhelming, bipartisan 95-0 vote. House Bill 1055 is sponsored by Rep. Christine Kilduff, D–University Place. Sen. Steve O’Ban, R–Pierce County, is the prime sponsor of its companion, Senate Bill 5021.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that Virginia-based retailer USA Discounters will provide more than $2.1 million in relief to service members who entered into contracts in Washington state over allegations the company engaged in unfair, abusive and deceptive debt collection practices.

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced legislation to improve the delivery of legal assistance services to current and former military service members. The proposed legislation to create an Office of Military and Veteran Legal Assistance in the Attorney General’s Office authorizes the office to facilitate access to legal assistance programs and pro bono (volunteer) legal representation for military service members, veterans and their families.

OLYMPIA — Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has stopped the deceptive business practices used by Lynnwood, Wash. company Emerald Capital Preservation, Inc. (ECP) and its owner Donald Smith, who failed to disclose a financial conflict of interest to veteran clients and charged unreasonable fees for basic services. The enforcement action announced today includes $26,564 in restitution to 35 victims.