(Juneau) - HB 446, a bill sponsored by Representative Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage) to increase the civil penalties for fraud has passed the House of Representatives unanimously.

HB 446 increases the maximum allowable civil penalties authorized by Alaska's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act. The bill will increase civil penalties from $25,000 to $50,000 for persons or companies that follow unfair or deceptive business practices. It will change the civil penalty charged for each violation of the Act from $5000 to a range between $1000 and $25,000 per violation.

"Last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission, Alaska had the highest number of fraud complaints in the country; 249 per 100,000 people. These modest increases in penalties will send a message to those who prey on Alaskan consumers and will enable the Attorney General of the state to enforce the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act and better protect Alaskans," said Representative McGuire.

HB 446 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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