Weinstein named chair of Senate consumer protection committee

OLYMPIA – Sen. Brian Weinstein, D-41st Legislative District (Eastside suburbs), whose top legislative priorities for 2007 include beefing up legal protection for Washington homebuyers, will serve as chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection & Housing Committee when the 2007 legislative session begins on Jan. 8.

“Owning a home is part of the American dream, and I want this committee to look at ways to make homeownership a realistic, affordable goal for more citizens,” Weinstein said. “I’m also looking forward to considering common-sense policies to protect consumers from fraud and deceptive practices.”

Weinstein is sponsoring a package of bills designed to remedy problems plaguing Washington’s homebuilding industry by making it easier for homeowners and condominium owners to seek compensation for faulty construction. Several other states have enacted similar legislation in recent years.

“There have been far too many recent reports of homeowners falling prey to construction defects and not being able to hold builders accountable,” Weinstein said.

The committee is expected to consider additional issues including: placing new requirements on property owners who are converting apartments into condominiums and what the state’s role should be in preserving manufactured housing communities as an affordable option for Washington residents.

Weinstein also will continue to serve on the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee and the Judiciary Committee. He’s been a member of both committees for the past two years, although Senate Democrats have restructured the education committee so that higher education issues will be considered by a separate panel.

The 2007 legislative session is scheduled to last 105 days.

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