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Comprehensive Debt Collection Protection: New Rights for Citizens

This act introduces several changes aimed at better protecting citizens, students, servicemembers, and small businesses from unfair debt collection practices. It limits harassment by debt collectors, introduces new rules for medical and student debts, and increases penalties for consumer rights violations. This gives citizens more control over their debts and better protection against abuses.
Key points
Restrictions on medical debt collection: prohibition on reporting certain medical debts to credit bureaus and extended time before reporting.
Enhanced protection for servicemembers: prohibition of threats regarding rank reduction, security clearance revocation, or prosecution due to debts.
Easier discharge of private student loans: possibility of discharge in case of death or total and permanent disability of the student or co-signer.
Limitations on debt collector communication: prohibition of unlimited emails, text messages, and social media messages without consent.
Increased penalties for debt collectors: higher maximum damages for consumer rights violations, adjusted for inflation.
Prohibition on federal emergency assistance debt referral: federal agencies cannot refer emergency assistance debts (e.g., FEMA) to private debt collectors, unless fraud occurred.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_10509
Sponsor: Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43]
Process start date: 2024-12-18
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_10509.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-12-18.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Restrictions on medical debt collection: prohibition on reporting certain medical debts to credit bureaus and extended time before reporting.
  • Enhanced protection for servicemembers: prohibition of threats regarding rank reduction, security clearance revocation, or prosecution due to debts.
  • Easier discharge of private student loans: possibility of discharge in case of death or total and permanent disability of the student or co-signer.
  • Limitations on debt collector communication: prohibition of unlimited emails, text messages, and social media messages without consent.
  • Increased penalties for debt collectors: higher maximum damages for consumer rights violations, adjusted for inflation.
  • Prohibition on federal emergency assistance debt referral: federal agencies cannot refer emergency assistance debts (e.g., FEMA) to private debt collectors, unless fraud occurred.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-24.

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