Small Business and Consumer Debt Collection Emergency Relief Act of 2020
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 22, 2020
Small Business and Consumer Debt Collection Emergency Relief Act of 2020
This bill places restrictions on the collection of consumer and small business debts during a major disaster or emergency, including during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period. Among other things, debt collectors may not during such a period
enforce a security interest through a repossession or foreclosure,
commence or continue litigation to collect a debt,
terminate utility service,
seize assets,
commence or continue an eviction, or
charge fees or apply a higher interest rate as a result of nonpayment.
After such a period, debt collectors must provide certain repayment options including extending the repayment period for debts.
Violations of these provisions are subject to civil enforcement.
Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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