[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6325494,"mediaKeyId","2333148-a77dbb6e0482e91bce2b211fcd497668","parentId",2333148,"title","Committee hears bill to require banks to flag suspected elder financial exploitation and notify state agencies","audioSeconds",540,"startMs",759000,"endMs",1299000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333148-a77dbb6e0482e91bce2b211fcd497668&start=759&end=1299","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333148-a77dbb6e0482e91bce2b211fcd497668/thumbnail_759000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6325494/Washington/Committee-hears-bill-to-require-banks-to-flag-suspected-elder-financial-exploitation-and-notify-state-agencies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325494-627903d740f47e0b7a14c485a0f81891/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115028&Signature=GqRWfa99TJaLpIHfxvNnXYUfLfc-FCfg91QSkKAKCXrmhgOLYuDRwJLSj5e9QpbiRRn4Y1mnoABO7zhtameGuqxlhYeXkBMKG2IztYyVt8bAlHlp7eZ~M2ozWcO-F29d6GgLReiiYLwAbYxQZ2KlqpGSQhqanqV7gNc-TcRm2302mJBZN40pqPg5wqY3o7nPyCAk~uBi~aVwkDoyW~U71kV7QdiTpcHcsdama3EwrDBcU-jNNW5vUITa2tOA4ZhsQ5-Yu~Jw~txnC8DKdY08ESfEij1YxwWfvuODVAGMYhAv40nNq5Sgdizq2bDJJBZ1IEh49oCFsbq81LC8N8gkHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Consumer Protection & Business","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","A House committee heard testimony on House Bill 1,900, which would require financial institutions to notify the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and to place internal flags on accounts when employees reasonably believe a vulnerable adult’s funds may have been exploited.

Committee staff member Peter Klauthbelter told members the bill amends a 2010 law on financial exploitation of vulnerable adults so that institutions that have a reasonable belief must immediately notify DSHS and DFI and place an internal account flag that alerts other employees the account may be the subject of exploitation. Klauthbelter said the bill also expands separate provisions requiring immediate notice to DFI when a financial institution or investment professional reasonably believes individual fraud related to funds or securities may have occurred or is being attempted. He said the flagged information is intended for internal use and the bill does not itself require an institution to refuse a transaction.

Why it matters: The bill aims to tighten the pathway for earlier detection of thefts and scams that target older Washington residents and others considered vulnerable, by creating a formal notice-and-flagging process and by requiring policies for employees to place and act on internal flags.

Sponsor Representative Beth D’Oleo framed the bill with a constituent story to explain the harm she wants to address. \"Imagine working all of your life, squirreling away money for your retirement, only to have that all vanish one day due to a criminal absconding with your money,\" D’Oleo said, and described a constituent who lost what she said was $300,000 to a scam. D’Oleo acknowledged the bill, as drafted, applies narrowly to the statutory definition of \"vulnerable adult\" and said she would work to expand coverage later in the process.

A woman who identified herself as a victim, asked in the hearing as Ms. Putnam, described the effects of the scam on her life. \"I innocently fell into this Internet scam, while clicking on something on Facebook,\" she said, and described being pressured into rapid transfers and seeing no recovery of the funds. She urged lawmakers to pass protections to prevent similar losses.

Financial-industry witnesses said they support protecting customers but raised operational and privacy concerns about requiring immediate reports during an ongoing investigation. Didi Anderson of Cashmere Valley Bank said existing law already requires banks to promptly investigate and report suspected exploitation, and she warned that \"immediately reporting activity during a pending investigation\" could lead to inaccurate reports because activity that initially looks suspicious sometimes proves legitimate after investigation. Dennis D’Ambrosio of Heritage Bank said banks have multifaceted training and monitoring systems and expressed concern that an immediate mandatory reporting requirement and flagging would add burdens and operational challenges.

Bill Stoffacher, representing the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, said Washington established early protections in 2010 and urged continued stakeholder conversations, warning that state-specific mandates could undercut uniform, industrywide processes. Joe Adamak of the Washington Credit Unions said credit unions support efforts to combat fraud but asked for follow-up on operational issues such as flagging character limits and reporting cycles.

Committee members asked whether the bill creates a \"mandatory reporter\" role for bank employees and about liability. Staff said the bill would make notice mandatory for institutions in the circumstances described but does not impose individual liability on employees acting in good faith; staff suggested organizations review bill language if they worry about corporate liability.

The hearing concluded with members thanking witnesses and noting interest in working with the sponsor and regulators on operational details and equity concerns, including the risk that defensive freezes or flags could be applied disproportionately.

Ending: The bill remained at the public-hearing stage; no committee vote or final action was recorded during this meeting. Sponsors and stakeholders said they plan follow-up meetings to refine definitions, address fairness and operational constraints, and consider how to expand coverage beyond the current statutory narrowness for \"vulnerable adults.\"","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Consumer Protection & Business - 2/18/2025 1:30 PM","oneSentenceSummary","A House committee heard testimony on House Bill 1,900, which would require financial institutions to notify DSHS and DFI and to place internal flags on accounts when employees reasonably believe a vulnerable adult’s funds may have been exploited.","taxTitle","Consumer Protection & Business, House of Representatives, Legislative Sessions, Washington","taxId",20258,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325486,"Committee advances multiple bills including alcohol, tobacco and vapor-product measures; several roll calls recorded",2401,3484000,5885000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333148-a77dbb6e0482e91bce2b211fcd497668&start=3484&end=5885","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333148-a77dbb6e0482e91bce2b211fcd497668/thumbnail_3484000.jpg","/articles/6325486/Washington/Committee-advances-multiple-bills-including-alcohol-tobacco-and-vapor-product-measures-several-roll-calls-recorded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325486-bce6f3c7ee8901701a0bd637f2cf1549/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115028&Signature=ZgmySdTgRvtVNRdreUMJs39t~~Affd0NXzYvckBf0N6ImpCV-u0cHJAZh8WIAudImobv8I6xPYEQGDeWn8g1BT-4olxF3hf~d~h6IqqFc7WN7hhDTjZiKfV~8yjYRTv7uaV6wkmgpzT5y4nwdRNByFquS6Unl78u0ChpZszGqEQy1EI9RCKEzmI~V-J7HkRFjSnqBH17viagFt8u88wBvyqrmy0w0Nla~ZoJVeG4lKUTCAOtvBEkWHwFerF0VXAguCGyMI8krEAPc~-hDVEgQxz6jOxqdUjsyRRfKhElVt8TXDbiuva1UCZzkNubtQv6VvFfvK1d~MPrS-xMklj8ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee moved several bills in executive session and recorded votes on a number of measures. Committee staff provided briefings before the votes. Key actions and vote tallies recorded in the transcript follow.

Votes at a glance:

- House Bill 16 36 (eliminate per-transaction limit for certain wine and spirit sales): Representative Reeves moved the bill and it was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. Roll call recorded 14 ayes, 1 nay. Representative Reeves and other committee members characterized the change as a technical cleanup rather than an expansion of alcohol availability.

- House Bill 16 98 (changes to alcohol server permit definitions and a special permit elimination): Reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation by voice vote; the committee recorded 15 members voting in the affirmative.

- House Bill 17 01 (authorizing multiple liquor licensees within leased facilities; amendment removed a proposed Public Records Act exemption): The committee adopted Amendment Cloud 3 35 (which removed the PRA exemption) and then reported the substitute bill out with a due-pass recommendation by voice vote; recorded 15 ayes, 0 nays.

- House Bill 12 03 (prohibition on sale of certain flavored tobacco and nicotine products): Committee debate included proposed amendments; no amendments were adopted and the bill was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. Roll call recorded 8 ayes and 7 nays.

- House Bill 15 34 (vapor-product directory and related manufacturer certifications; LCB and DOR data-sharing amendment adopted): The committee adopted amendment H1480.1 to add the Liquor and Cannabis Board as an information-sharing authority; the substitute bill was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. Roll call recorded 9 ayes and 6 nays.

What members said: Movers (primarily Representative Reeves) characterized several measures as technical cleanups or business-parity changes that would aid small businesses or align agency processes. Opponents on some bills urged caution about unintended market effects, public-choice concerns, and constitutional or regulatory overreach.

Next steps: Each bill was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation and will proceed according to legislative scheduling. Committee staff and sponsors noted that stakeholder work and further drafting may continue on certain controversial items.","During executive session the committee reported several bills out with due-pass recommendations. Votes included unanimous or near-unanimous voice approvals for technical liquor-license bills and closer roll-call outcomes on tobacco-related measures.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325489,"Hearing on bill to limit algorithmic ‘addictive feeds’ for minors draws sharp split between advocates and tech industry",3456,0,3456000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333148-a77dbb6e0482e91bce2b211fcd497668&start=0&end=3456","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333148-a77dbb6e0482e91bce2b211fcd497668/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6325489/Washington/Hearing-on-bill-to-limit-algorithmic-addictive-feeds-for-minors-draws-sharp-split-between-advocates-and-tech-industry","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325489-71ec45caf4290ced47810d1229eb2a33/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115028&Signature=PZGkW7xNC7V0odpP08ciYw~D-2vbFvmV-HbR59QRl8zBuZ~aKwWxoeGUyDEls5qneY7PD3mjoaaLBhvRvENrBwNMz294sykIsdY4u169uVTm8cOnIDLTpeLtSFgK9DHcb53ltNG3MLCUZplU7XfBDNIwY2spW48s~TxhJTnZC5eyhx1gFuZMMyf9IkxznxG9e7iJwi2nnMo2CijVhF--7s0yc46aYO3XYDuMU0tda5q1el1Vi80Kb8~Ie9mKBSqzB26UMXDdGbuWHhlnnjR0hihzhg2vButm38pxRd-frgevC~I2QapVpq-V3iTDGSEtweqDJzKa0JlRanYRjajKxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A House committee convened an extensive public hearing on House Bill 18 34, a proposal aimed at reducing algorithmic targeting and \"addictive feeds\" for minors and increasing parental controls and privacy protections. Supporters described a youth mental-health crisis they link to social media; opponents raised constitutional and practical concerns about age verification and compelled editorial decisions.

Sponsor and overview: The bill’s sponsor (identified in the hearing as Representative Kallen) framed the proposal as a public-health and child-safety measure that seeks to limit design features and algorithms that keep minors continuously engaged. Committee staff and the attorney general’s office described how the bill builds on federal discussion and other states’ proposals while attempting to avoid language that has been struck down in courts.

Supporters: Adam Eitman from the attorney general’s office said the office supports the bill and noted \"we face an unprecedented youth mental health crisis\" and that the bill seeks to balance children's, parents' and companies' interests. Dr. Stefan Blandford of Children’s Alliance testified in support: \"The research is clear that addictive social media platforms are targeting kids in pursuit of profits and not the welfare of young people.\" Parent and victim advocates shared personal testimony: Taj Jensen, who described losing a son to a fentanyl overdose, blamed algorithms for amplifying harmful content and urged lawmakers to \"Turn off the algorithm that push harmful content to our minors.\" Educators and youth groups, including the superintendent of Yakima School District and representatives of Schools Out Washington and MomsRising, said algorithm-driven content interferes with learning, sleep and mental health.

Industry and civil-liberties concerns: TechNet, NetChoice and Chamber of Progress testified in opposition or with concerns. Rose Feliciano of TechNet said the group \"oppose[s] this legislation\" and argued sections would likely be unconstitutional, citing Moody v. NetChoice and recent federal court rulings. Industry witnesses argued age-verification mandates would collect or force storage of sensitive data and create privacy and security risks, and said feed-based editorial choices raise First Amendment issues. Zach Lilly of NetChoice warned that age-verification mandates have been blocked in other states and that forcing identity checks risks creating targets for identity theft.

Technical testimony and alternatives: Jay Jesma of the Transparency Coalition, who has industry experience building recommendation systems, said age-estimation and other technical controls are already feasible and cited recent industry experiments by major platforms. Ian Corby, representing age-verification suppliers, stated the industry can perform age checks \"proving your age without disclosing your identity\" and described approaches used in jurisdictions with strict data rules.

Constitutional and operational debate: Multiple witnesses referenced recent court activity. Rose Feliciano argued the bill could amount to compelled speech because it would regulate the expressive quality of feeds; supporters countered that the bill targets business practices that engineer addictive engagement and protects children’s privacy and wellbeing. Several witnesses urged the legislature to seek narrow, workable language; industry witnesses urged caution and recommended collaboration to craft alternatives.

Ending: The committee suspended the public hearing on HB 18 34 to open a separate hearing and later reconvened to other business; no committee vote on the bill was taken at this meeting. Members and stakeholders signaled interest in continued negotiations over definitions, First Amendment contours, age-estimation techniques and operational safeguards.","House Bill 18 34 prompted wide public testimony. Child-advocacy groups, parents and school leaders said algorithm-driven feeds harm youth mental health and learning; technology trade groups and industry associations warned the bill likely raises First Amendment and privacy problems.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears bill to require banks to flag suspected elder financial exploitation and notify state agencies

Committee advances multiple bills including alcohol, tobacco and vapor-product measures; several roll calls recorded

Hearing on bill to limit algorithmic ‘addictive feeds’ for minors draws sharp split between advocates and tech industry