Vermont Consumer Protection News

Metsger Unveils Consumer Protection Agenda

Credit Scoring Bill Anchors Plans for Legislative Action

In conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week, State Senator Rick Metsger (D- Mt. Hood) unveiled his agenda to protect consumers for the 2003 Legislative Session.  The centerpiece of his agenda is Senate Bill 280, which severely restricts the use of credit scores for the purpose of setting insurance premiums.  Currently, over 90% of insurers use a consumer’s credit score to determine the insurance rate.  Many consumers aren’t even aware of the practice, which charges consumers higher insurance rates based on their credit history. 

“I simply don’t believe that Oregonians should be punished with higher insurance premiums because they choose to purchase a new home, have significant medical expenses, or are the victim of identity theft.  It’s not fair, and it’s not right,” said Metsger.

Senator Metsger noted that the impetus for this legislation came from Oregonians who contacted him in opposition to the use of credit scores for insurance.  “Over the last 18 months, I’ve had countless calls, letters, and emails, from both effected citizens and insurance agents who detest this practice.  They all want to see the use of credit scoring in insurance to be curtailed,” he said. 

 In addition to SB 280, Senator Metsger has introduced two other bills designed to protect consumers.  SB 262 adds unsolicited faxes to Oregon’s “No Call” list.  This bill is designed to limit the practice of “junk faxes.”  SB 261 prohibits unsolicited email that misrepresents the subject of origin of a message. The legislation is designed to limit the amount spam that Oregonians receive. “These bills represent my commitment to ensuring that Oregon consumer’s are protected from new threats.”

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