This is not an issue for most folks here but if you are in a real estate related field, this bill may interest you:
The Washington Legislature recently passed SB 6847, which relates to real estate settlement services. Governor Gregoire signed the bill Friday, March 21, 2008.
In general, it affects what title companies can provide for inducement for business. While this is not entirely new, SB 6847 now prohibits Realtors and Lenders from accepting any “thing of value” from title companies as an inducement for title orders. In other words, the statute prohibits both giving and accepting a thing of value and the licensing entity of agents and lenders can bring sanctitions against them.

The balance of the bill may be viewed at the following website:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdoc...e/6847-S.PL.pdf

I'm very happy this happened. I'm in the title & escrow business and our office is locally owned, which means we don't have the deep pockets of the national companies. Now we can compete on a level playing field with just our knowledge and customer service attitude instead having to buy the business. We've got skills.

I'm sorry, but I'm shocked. I'm just not used to government getting something right. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a new trend. Good luck!