Collection agency news

"Debt buyers" added to the definition of collection agency

An amendment to the Washington Collection Agency Act was adopted by the 2013 Legislature. The amending bill, ESHB 1822, added "debt buyers" to the definition of a collection agency. All debt buyers and others who meet the definition of a collection agency are now subject to the Washington Collection Agency Act (RCW 19.16) and current administrative rules (WAC 308-29).

The revised law also clarified that licensees are prohibited from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. This means that lawyers can practice law and also hold a collection agency license.