Representative Malinowski Fights to Protect Americans from Unfair Debt Collection Practices

Press Release

Today, Representative Malinowski voted to pass the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act to protect Americans from aggressive and unfair debt collection practices. The bill modifies and strengthens existing protections, including those for student borrowers, military service personnel, and individuals with medical debt.

"As our nation begins to recover from this economic crisis, families and small businesses continue to deal with outstanding debt," said Representative Malinowski. "It is absolutely critical that our government protect families before they fall victim predatory debt collection practices during these challenging times."

Among other provisions, the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act:

Prohibits debt collectors from threatening a servicemember with reducing their rank, having their security clearance revoked, or prosecuting them under the Uniform Code of Military Justice regarding an outstanding debt;
Prevents collection of medical debt for two years and prohibiting credit reporting of debt arising from medically necessary procedures;
Requires discharge of private student loan borrower's debt in the case of a permanent disability; and
Prohibits debt collectors from contacting consumers by e-mail or text without consent.
The bill is endorsed by dozens of consumer protection and civil rights groups. More information can be found here.

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