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Senate passes bill expanding attorney general's civil investigative authority after amendment fight
Summary
The Washington Senate passed substitute Senate Bill 5,925, which clarifies and expands civil investigative demand (CID) authority for the attorney general; floor debate centered on protections for small and minority- and women-owned businesses and procedural safeguards, and the chamber adopted an amendment that sets factual thresholds and assistant-AG review.
Senator Hansen opened floor debate by saying the bill would make it easier for the attorney general's office to enforce existing laws, from wage theft to discrimination, by clarifying use of a tool called a civil investigative demand, or CID. "This bill narrowly and technically deals with a tool called a CID or a civil investigative demand," Hansen said, arguing CIDs let the office obtain information before filing suit.
The most contentious debate concerned whether the bill should add exemptions or stronger thresholds before a CID can issue. Senator Christian moved amendment 0584 to exempt certified minority- and women-owned…
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