Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Legislature Toughens Fraud Laws

Bill Makes it Easier to Litigate Small Fraud Cases

For Immediate Release May 10, 1998 Contact: Rep. Fred Dyson at (907) 465-2199.

Juneau -- The Alaska Senate Sunday passed House Bill 203, which removes existing barriers to obtaining legal assistance for resolving or litigating small value fraud cases.

"By empowering individuals to deal with unlawful trade practices we will not only make Alaska a harsher environment for scam artists, but protect honest businesses as well," said Representative Fred Dyson (R-Eagle River). " By empowering individuals to deal with their own consumer issues, this measure addresses a need for consumer protection without having to fund a state agency or create another bureaucracy," Dyson said.

HB 203 also allows for a fraud victim to obtain an injunction to stop fraudulent activity. It also penalizes frivolous lawsuits, provides for mediation, and allows the winning side to obtain attorney fees and court costs.

"The number of consumers of all ages, but especially senior citizens, who are victims of unlawful acts and practices has been increasing daily," said Speaker of the House Gail Phillips (R-Homer). "This bill will be a valuable weapon for consumers in the fight against those who would victimize others," Phillips said.

HB 203 received support from the Older Persons Action Group (OPAG), the Alaska Commission on Aging, and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

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