PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Dec 22, 2020
Stop Student Debt Relief Scams Act of 2019
This bill establishes criminal penalties for unauthorized access of certain student loan information and expands the requirements for student loan exit counseling.
Specifically, the bill makes it a crime to knowingly use an access device (e.g., account number) that was issued to another person or was fraudulently obtained to access Department of Education (ED) information technology systems for commercial advantage or private financial gain. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both.
Further, the bill expands loan exit counseling requirements to require an institution of higher education that participates in federal student-aid programs to provide an explanation to borrowers cautioning them about third-party student debt relief companies.
It also requires ED to prevent unauthorized access to the central database for student aid (i.e., the National Student Loan Data System) and warn borrowers of suspicious activity regarding their student loan accounts.
People & committees
Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI] · D–WI
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 116-251.
Became Public Law No: 116-251.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6881)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H6881)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1153.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6880-6883)
Ms. Stevens moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S7141-7142)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S7141-7142)
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7141-7142)
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S7141-7142)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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