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H.R.4403 / 116th Congress

Stop Debt Collection Abuse Act of 2019

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 538.

Official summary

Version 07 · Reported to House · Dec 15, 2020

Stop Debt Collection Abuse Act of 2019

This bill applies certain consumer protections regarding debt collection to debt owed to a federal agency and to debt buyers.

A federal agency that is a creditor may not sell or transfer a debt to a debt collector until 90 days after the obligation becomes delinquent or defaults. Specified notice to the consumer of such a sale or transfer is required.

A collector of debt owed to a federal agency may not collect any interest, fee, charge, or expense that is (1) unreasonable in relation to actual costs, (2) not authorized by a contract between the debt collector and the federal agency, or (3) greater than 10% of the amount collected.

The Government Accountability Office must report on the use of debt collectors by federal, state, and local government agencies.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5] · D–MO

Committees

  • Financial Services Committee
1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 538.

  2. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 116-654.

  3. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 116-654.

  4. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 54 - 0.

  5. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  6. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  7. Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

  8. Introduced in House

  9. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.4403 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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