S2537
An Act relative to fairness in debt collection
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the Debt Collection Fairness Act, aims to improve fairness and transparency in how debt collectors operate in Massachusetts. It establishes rules to limit debt collection practices, protect consumers from harassment and deception, and ensure collectors provide accurate information about debts. The bill seeks to balance the rights of creditors with the protections afforded to individuals facing debt.
Key provisions
- Limits on communication times and methods for debt collectors.
- Requires collectors to provide clear and accurate information about the debt.
- Prohibits abusive or harassing debt collection practices.
- Establishes a process for consumers to dispute debt accuracy.
- Mandates that collectors provide a written acknowledgement of receipt of a dispute.
- Requires collectors to cease collection efforts if a debt is deemed inaccurate.
- Creates a process for consumers to file complaints against debt collectors.
- Defines specific prohibited debt collection practices.
Who is affected
- Debt collectors
- Consumers in Massachusetts
- Creditors
- Financial institutions
- Legal professionals
Notable changes
- Establishes a framework for regulating debt collection activities.
- Adds protections against unfair and deceptive practices.
- Provides consumers with greater control over their debt collection experience.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Cosponsors
James B. Eldridge
Joan B. Lovely
Michael J. Barrett
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Bill S.2537 194th (Current)
An Act relative to fairness in debt collection
Senate, June 23, 2025 -- The committee on Financial Services to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 735) of James B. Eldridge, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to establish the Debt Collection Fairness Act, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2537).
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Financial Services
Tabs
Bill History Amendments Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 8 actions for Bill S.2537
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 6/20/2025 | Senate | Reported from the committee on Financial Services |
| 6/23/2025 | Senate | New draft of S735 |
| 6/23/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
| 7/10/2025 | Senate | Committee recommended ought to pass with an amendment, substituting a new draft, see S2551 |
| 7/10/2025 | Senate | Order relative to subject matter adopted |
| 7/10/2025 | Senate | Placed in the Orders of the Day for Thursday, July 17, 2025 |
| 7/17/2025 | Senate | Read second |
| 7/17/2025 | Senate | New draft substituted, see S2551 |
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