Safe Harbor for Small Loans and Limits on Consumer Protection Enforcement (CFPB).
This law establishes safer standards for short-term loans up to $3,500 offered by banks and credit unions, prohibiting fees like prepayment penalties and rollovers. Crucially, it significantly restricts the federal consumer protection agency's (CFPB) power to prosecute financial institutions for 'abusive' practices, granting lenders more procedural safeguards and time to correct potential violations.
Key points
Safe Small Loans: Banks and credit unions offering loans up to $3,500 are protected from certain penalties if they follow strict safety rules (e.g., no balloon payments, no prepayment fees, amortization over multiple payments longer than 45 days).
CFPB Authority Limited: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau must clearly define 'abusive practices' and is required to give lenders 180 days to fix self-identified violations before pursuing legal action.
Small Business Data: Requirements for collecting data on small business loans are eased for smaller financial institutions and loans made to businesses with revenues under $1 million, and compliance deadlines are extended.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8338
Sponsor: Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]
Process start date: 2024-05-10