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Protecting Congregations SB116 adds congregations to consumer protection act. A little noticed bill this session is garnering the attention -- and support -- of the faith community. Patroned by Sen. Chap Petersen the bill would extend consumer protections to churches and other congregations and help protect them from consumer fraud. Petersen says the measure is in response to a situation where a number of churches in the Washington metro area were defrauded by a company leasing office equipment. “I will not stand for this, and those who prey on our houses of worship must be punished,” said Petersen in a release following a hearing on the bill. Henry Burt, Secretary of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and a lawyer with consumer law experience is supportive of the bill. “Regrettably, churches are too often a target of consumer fraud and without the practical ability to protect themselves,” says Burt. “By adding churches to the list of those who can seek the protection of the consumer protection laws of the Commonwealth, this bill will change that and allow church resources to go to where they are most needed.” LaTonya Reed, is covering the issue for the Center, and testified in support of the measure at the hearing.
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