CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 424Introduced by Assembly Member Stone(Coauthors: Assembly Members Boerner Horvath, Carrillo, Chiu, Kalra, Robert Rivas, and Wicks)(Coauthors: Senators Hertzberg, Wieckowski, and Wiener)February 04, 2021 An act to add Title 1.6.C.15 (commencing with Section 1788.200) to Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, relating to student loans.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 424, as introduced, Stone. Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act: collection actions.Existing law, the Student Loan Servicing Act, provides for the licensure, regulation, and oversight of student loan servicers by the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation, who is the head of the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. The act prohibits a person from engaging in the business of servicing a student loan in this state without a license, unless the person falls within certain exceptions.Existing law, the Student Borrower Bill of Rights, imposes requirements on a student loan servicer, including, among others, the timely posting, processing, and crediting of student loan payments, and applying overpayments consistent with the best financial interest of a student loan borrower. Existing law also prohibits a student loan servicer from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices, or abusive acts or practices in connection with the servicing of a student loan, and authorizes a person to bring an action for actual damages, injunctive relief, restitution, punitive damages, attorneys fees, and other relief, including treble damages in certain circumstances.This bill, the Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act, would prohibit a private education lender or a private education loan collector, as defined, from initiating a private education loan collection action unless the private education lender or private education loan collector possesses all of specified documents. The bill would prohibit a court from entering a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the private education lender or private education loan collector introduces into evidence specified documents in accordance with applicable rules of evidence. These documents would include, among others, the name of the owner of the private education loan, the amount due at default, specified information about the creditor, and an affidavit, submitted under penalty of perjury, certifying the accuracy of the evidence submitted to the court. By expanding the crime of perjury, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.This bill would also prohibit the court from entering a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the court finds that the applicable statute of limitations for the private education loan has not expired. The bill would require a private education loan collector to provide in the first collection communication with the borrower, and at any other time the borrower requests, specified information. The bill would make a failure by private education loan collector to produce to a borrower, upon request, specified documentation, a violation of the Unfair Practices Act. The bill would also authorize a person who suffers damage as the result of the failure of a creditor to comply with these provisions to bring an action against that creditor for actual damages, restitution, punitive damages, attorneys fees, correction of the persons credit report, and other relief, including treble damages in certain circumstances.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Title 1.6.C.15 (commencing with Section 1788.200) is added to Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, to read:TITLE 1.6.C.15. Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act1788.200. This title shall be known and may be cited as the Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act.1788.201. For purposes of this title, the following definitions apply:(a) Borrower or student loan borrower means a person who has received or agreed to pay a private education loan.(b) (1) Cosigner means any individual who is liable for the obligation of another without compensation, regardless of how the individual is designated in the contract or instrument with respect to that obligation, including an obligation under a private education loan extended to consolidate a borrowers preexisting private education loans, and shall include any person whose signature is requested as a condition to grant credit or to forbear on collection.(2) Cosigner does not include a spouse of an individual described in paragraph (1), the signature of whom is needed to perfect the security interest in a loan.(c) Creditor means any of the following:(1) The original creditor, where ownership of a private education loan has not been sold, assigned, or transferred.(2) The person or entity that owned the private education loan at the time the private education loan defaulted, even if that person or entity did not originate the private education loan, and where such a private education loan has not subsequently been sold, transferred, or assigned.(3) A person or entity that purchased a defaulted private education loan for collection purposes, whether it collects the private education loan itself or hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney for collection litigation.(d) Original creditor means the private education lender identified in a promissory note, loan agreement, or loan contract entered into with a student loan borrower or cosigner.(e) Private education lender means either of the following:(1) Any person or entity engaged in the business of securing, making, or extending private education loans.(2) Any holder of a private education loan.(f) Private education loan means an extension of credit that meets all of the following conditions:(1) Is not made, insured, or guaranteed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).(2) Is extended to a consumer expressly, in whole or in part, for postsecondary educational expenses, regardless of whether the loan is provided by the educational institution that the student attends.(3) Does not include open-end credit or any loan that is secured by real property or a dwelling.(4) Does not include an extension of credit in which the covered educational institution is the creditor if either:(A) The term of the extension of credit is 90 days or less.(B) An interest rate will not be applied to the credit balance and the term of the extension of credit is one year or less, even if the credit is payable in more than four installments.(g) Private education loan collection action means any judicial action in which a claim is asserted to collect a private education loan.(h) Private education loan collector means a person collecting or attempting to collect on a defaulted private education loan.1788.202. (a) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall not initiate a private education loan collection action unless the private education lender or private education loan collector possesses all of the documents listed in subdivision (d).(b) This section applies to a private education loan collection action that is maintained by a private education lender or a private education loan collector.(c) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the private education lender or private education loan collector introduces into evidence the documents specified in subdivision (d) in accordance with applicable rules of evidence.(d) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall introduce all of the following evidence in a private education loan collection action:(1) The name of the owner of the private education loan.(2) The original creditors name at the time of default, if applicable.(3) The original creditors account number used to identify the private education loan at the time of default, if the original creditor used an account number to identify the private education loan at the time of default.(4) The amount due at default.(5) An itemization of interest and fees, if any, incurred after default claimed to be owed and whether those were imposed by the original creditor or any subsequent owners of the private education loan.(6) The date that the private education loan was incurred.(7) The date of the first partial payment or the first day that a payment was missed, whichever is earlier.(8) The date and amount of the last payment, if applicable.(9) Any payments, settlement, or financial remuneration of any kind paid to the creditor by a guarantor, cosigner, or surety, and the amount of payment received.(10) A copy of the self-certification form and any other needs analysis conducted by the original creditor prior to origination of the loan.(11) The names of all persons or entities that owned the private education loan after the time of default, if applicable, and the date of each sale or transfer.(12) A log of all collection attempts made in the last 12 months, including date and time of all calls and letters.(13) A statement as to whether the creditor is willing to renegotiate the terms of the debt.(14) Copies of all settlement letters made in the last 12 months, or, in the alternative, a statement that the creditor has not attempted to settle or otherwise renegotiate the debt prior to suit.(15) Documentation establishing that the creditor is the owner of the specific individual private education loan at issue. If the private education loan was assigned more than once, the creditor shall possess each assignment or other writing evidencing the transfer of ownership of the specific individual private education loan to establish an unbroken chain of ownership, beginning with the original creditor to the first subsequent creditor and each additional creditor. Each assignment or other writing evidencing transfer of ownership or the right to collect must contain the original creditors account number (redacted for security purposes to show only the last four digits) of the private education loan purchased or otherwise assigned, the date of purchase and assignment, and must clearly show the borrowers correct name associated with the original account number. The assignment or other writing attached shall be that by which the creditor or other assignee acquired the private education loan, not a document prepared for litigation.(16) A copy of all pages of the contract, application, or other documents evidencing the private education loan borrowers liability for the private education loan, stating all terms and conditions applicable to the private education loan.(17) An affidavit, signed under penalty of perjury, stating that a representative of the creditor personally reviewed the evidence submitted to the court pursuant to this subdivision for factual accuracy and confirmed the factual accuracy of the allegations set forth in the complaint and any supporting affidavits or affirmations filed with the court, as well as the accuracy of any notarizations contained in the supporting documents filed therewith.(18) A statement as to whether a debt is eligible for an income-based repayment plan.(19) A statement as to whether the debt is dischargeable in bankruptcy.(e) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the court finds that the applicable statute of limitations for the private education loan owned by the creditor has not expired.(f) (1) In addition to any other information required under applicable federal or state law, a private education loan collector shall provide in the first collection communication with the borrower and at any other time the borrower requests this documentation the information set forth in subdivision (d).(2) Failure by a private education loan collector to produce to a borrower, upon request, any documentation described in subdivision (d) is a violation of the Unfair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 17000) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code).1788.203. (a) Any person who suffers damage as a result of the failure of that creditor to comply with this title may bring an action against that creditor to recover or obtain any of the following:(1) An order vacating any default judgment entered against that person.(2) A judgment in favor of that person.(3) Actual damages, but in no case, shall the total award of damages be less than five hundred dollars ($500) per person, per violation.(4) Restitution of all moneys taken from or paid by that person after a judgment was obtained by a creditor.(5) Punitive damages.(6) Attorneys fees.(7) Correction of that persons credit report.(8) Any other relief that the court deems proper.(b) In addition to any other remedies provided in subdivision (a) or other law, whenever a party proves, by a preponderance of evidence, that a creditor or counsel representing a creditor filed an affidavit required under this title containing false information, the court shall award treble actual damages to the person, but in no case shall the award of damages be less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per person, per violation.1788.204. The provisions of this title are severable. If any provision of this title or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 424Introduced by Assembly Member Stone(Coauthors: Assembly Members Boerner Horvath, Carrillo, Chiu, Kalra, Robert Rivas, and Wicks)(Coauthors: Senators Hertzberg, Wieckowski, and Wiener)February 04, 2021 An act to add Title 1.6.C.15 (commencing with Section 1788.200) to Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, relating to student loans.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 424, as introduced, Stone. Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act: collection actions.Existing law, the Student Loan Servicing Act, provides for the licensure, regulation, and oversight of student loan servicers by the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation, who is the head of the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. The act prohibits a person from engaging in the business of servicing a student loan in this state without a license, unless the person falls within certain exceptions.Existing law, the Student Borrower Bill of Rights, imposes requirements on a student loan servicer, including, among others, the timely posting, processing, and crediting of student loan payments, and applying overpayments consistent with the best financial interest of a student loan borrower. Existing law also prohibits a student loan servicer from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices, or abusive acts or practices in connection with the servicing of a student loan, and authorizes a person to bring an action for actual damages, injunctive relief, restitution, punitive damages, attorneys fees, and other relief, including treble damages in certain circumstances.This bill, the Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act, would prohibit a private education lender or a private education loan collector, as defined, from initiating a private education loan collection action unless the private education lender or private education loan collector possesses all of specified documents. The bill would prohibit a court from entering a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the private education lender or private education loan collector introduces into evidence specified documents in accordance with applicable rules of evidence. These documents would include, among others, the name of the owner of the private education loan, the amount due at default, specified information about the creditor, and an affidavit, submitted under penalty of perjury, certifying the accuracy of the evidence submitted to the court. By expanding the crime of perjury, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.This bill would also prohibit the court from entering a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the court finds that the applicable statute of limitations for the private education loan has not expired. The bill would require a private education loan collector to provide in the first collection communication with the borrower, and at any other time the borrower requests, specified information. The bill would make a failure by private education loan collector to produce to a borrower, upon request, specified documentation, a violation of the Unfair Practices Act. The bill would also authorize a person who suffers damage as the result of the failure of a creditor to comply with these provisions to bring an action against that creditor for actual damages, restitution, punitive damages, attorneys fees, correction of the persons credit report, and other relief, including treble damages in certain circumstances.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 424
Introduced by Assembly Member Stone(Coauthors: Assembly Members Boerner Horvath, Carrillo, Chiu, Kalra, Robert Rivas, and Wicks)(Coauthors: Senators Hertzberg, Wieckowski, and Wiener)February 04, 2021
Introduced by Assembly Member Stone(Coauthors: Assembly Members Boerner Horvath, Carrillo, Chiu, Kalra, Robert Rivas, and Wicks)(Coauthors: Senators Hertzberg, Wieckowski, and Wiener)
February 04, 2021
An act to add Title 1.6.C.15 (commencing with Section 1788.200) to Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, relating to student loans.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 424, as introduced, Stone. Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act: collection actions.
Existing law, the Student Loan Servicing Act, provides for the licensure, regulation, and oversight of student loan servicers by the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation, who is the head of the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. The act prohibits a person from engaging in the business of servicing a student loan in this state without a license, unless the person falls within certain exceptions.Existing law, the Student Borrower Bill of Rights, imposes requirements on a student loan servicer, including, among others, the timely posting, processing, and crediting of student loan payments, and applying overpayments consistent with the best financial interest of a student loan borrower. Existing law also prohibits a student loan servicer from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices, or abusive acts or practices in connection with the servicing of a student loan, and authorizes a person to bring an action for actual damages, injunctive relief, restitution, punitive damages, attorneys fees, and other relief, including treble damages in certain circumstances.This bill, the Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act, would prohibit a private education lender or a private education loan collector, as defined, from initiating a private education loan collection action unless the private education lender or private education loan collector possesses all of specified documents. The bill would prohibit a court from entering a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the private education lender or private education loan collector introduces into evidence specified documents in accordance with applicable rules of evidence. These documents would include, among others, the name of the owner of the private education loan, the amount due at default, specified information about the creditor, and an affidavit, submitted under penalty of perjury, certifying the accuracy of the evidence submitted to the court. By expanding the crime of perjury, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.This bill would also prohibit the court from entering a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the court finds that the applicable statute of limitations for the private education loan has not expired. The bill would require a private education loan collector to provide in the first collection communication with the borrower, and at any other time the borrower requests, specified information. The bill would make a failure by private education loan collector to produce to a borrower, upon request, specified documentation, a violation of the Unfair Practices Act. The bill would also authorize a person who suffers damage as the result of the failure of a creditor to comply with these provisions to bring an action against that creditor for actual damages, restitution, punitive damages, attorneys fees, correction of the persons credit report, and other relief, including treble damages in certain circumstances.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Existing law, the Student Loan Servicing Act, provides for the licensure, regulation, and oversight of student loan servicers by the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation, who is the head of the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. The act prohibits a person from engaging in the business of servicing a student loan in this state without a license, unless the person falls within certain exceptions.
Existing law, the Student Borrower Bill of Rights, imposes requirements on a student loan servicer, including, among others, the timely posting, processing, and crediting of student loan payments, and applying overpayments consistent with the best financial interest of a student loan borrower. Existing law also prohibits a student loan servicer from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices, or abusive acts or practices in connection with the servicing of a student loan, and authorizes a person to bring an action for actual damages, injunctive relief, restitution, punitive damages, attorneys fees, and other relief, including treble damages in certain circumstances.
This bill, the Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act, would prohibit a private education lender or a private education loan collector, as defined, from initiating a private education loan collection action unless the private education lender or private education loan collector possesses all of specified documents. The bill would prohibit a court from entering a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the private education lender or private education loan collector introduces into evidence specified documents in accordance with applicable rules of evidence. These documents would include, among others, the name of the owner of the private education loan, the amount due at default, specified information about the creditor, and an affidavit, submitted under penalty of perjury, certifying the accuracy of the evidence submitted to the court. By expanding the crime of perjury, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
This bill would also prohibit the court from entering a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the court finds that the applicable statute of limitations for the private education loan has not expired. The bill would require a private education loan collector to provide in the first collection communication with the borrower, and at any other time the borrower requests, specified information. The bill would make a failure by private education loan collector to produce to a borrower, upon request, specified documentation, a violation of the Unfair Practices Act. The bill would also authorize a person who suffers damage as the result of the failure of a creditor to comply with these provisions to bring an action against that creditor for actual damages, restitution, punitive damages, attorneys fees, correction of the persons credit report, and other relief, including treble damages in certain circumstances.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Title 1.6.C.15 (commencing with Section 1788.200) is added to Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, to read:TITLE 1.6.C.15. Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act1788.200. This title shall be known and may be cited as the Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act.1788.201. For purposes of this title, the following definitions apply:(a) Borrower or student loan borrower means a person who has received or agreed to pay a private education loan.(b) (1) Cosigner means any individual who is liable for the obligation of another without compensation, regardless of how the individual is designated in the contract or instrument with respect to that obligation, including an obligation under a private education loan extended to consolidate a borrowers preexisting private education loans, and shall include any person whose signature is requested as a condition to grant credit or to forbear on collection.(2) Cosigner does not include a spouse of an individual described in paragraph (1), the signature of whom is needed to perfect the security interest in a loan.(c) Creditor means any of the following:(1) The original creditor, where ownership of a private education loan has not been sold, assigned, or transferred.(2) The person or entity that owned the private education loan at the time the private education loan defaulted, even if that person or entity did not originate the private education loan, and where such a private education loan has not subsequently been sold, transferred, or assigned.(3) A person or entity that purchased a defaulted private education loan for collection purposes, whether it collects the private education loan itself or hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney for collection litigation.(d) Original creditor means the private education lender identified in a promissory note, loan agreement, or loan contract entered into with a student loan borrower or cosigner.(e) Private education lender means either of the following:(1) Any person or entity engaged in the business of securing, making, or extending private education loans.(2) Any holder of a private education loan.(f) Private education loan means an extension of credit that meets all of the following conditions:(1) Is not made, insured, or guaranteed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).(2) Is extended to a consumer expressly, in whole or in part, for postsecondary educational expenses, regardless of whether the loan is provided by the educational institution that the student attends.(3) Does not include open-end credit or any loan that is secured by real property or a dwelling.(4) Does not include an extension of credit in which the covered educational institution is the creditor if either:(A) The term of the extension of credit is 90 days or less.(B) An interest rate will not be applied to the credit balance and the term of the extension of credit is one year or less, even if the credit is payable in more than four installments.(g) Private education loan collection action means any judicial action in which a claim is asserted to collect a private education loan.(h) Private education loan collector means a person collecting or attempting to collect on a defaulted private education loan.1788.202. (a) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall not initiate a private education loan collection action unless the private education lender or private education loan collector possesses all of the documents listed in subdivision (d).(b) This section applies to a private education loan collection action that is maintained by a private education lender or a private education loan collector.(c) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the private education lender or private education loan collector introduces into evidence the documents specified in subdivision (d) in accordance with applicable rules of evidence.(d) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall introduce all of the following evidence in a private education loan collection action:(1) The name of the owner of the private education loan.(2) The original creditors name at the time of default, if applicable.(3) The original creditors account number used to identify the private education loan at the time of default, if the original creditor used an account number to identify the private education loan at the time of default.(4) The amount due at default.(5) An itemization of interest and fees, if any, incurred after default claimed to be owed and whether those were imposed by the original creditor or any subsequent owners of the private education loan.(6) The date that the private education loan was incurred.(7) The date of the first partial payment or the first day that a payment was missed, whichever is earlier.(8) The date and amount of the last payment, if applicable.(9) Any payments, settlement, or financial remuneration of any kind paid to the creditor by a guarantor, cosigner, or surety, and the amount of payment received.(10) A copy of the self-certification form and any other needs analysis conducted by the original creditor prior to origination of the loan.(11) The names of all persons or entities that owned the private education loan after the time of default, if applicable, and the date of each sale or transfer.(12) A log of all collection attempts made in the last 12 months, including date and time of all calls and letters.(13) A statement as to whether the creditor is willing to renegotiate the terms of the debt.(14) Copies of all settlement letters made in the last 12 months, or, in the alternative, a statement that the creditor has not attempted to settle or otherwise renegotiate the debt prior to suit.(15) Documentation establishing that the creditor is the owner of the specific individual private education loan at issue. If the private education loan was assigned more than once, the creditor shall possess each assignment or other writing evidencing the transfer of ownership of the specific individual private education loan to establish an unbroken chain of ownership, beginning with the original creditor to the first subsequent creditor and each additional creditor. Each assignment or other writing evidencing transfer of ownership or the right to collect must contain the original creditors account number (redacted for security purposes to show only the last four digits) of the private education loan purchased or otherwise assigned, the date of purchase and assignment, and must clearly show the borrowers correct name associated with the original account number. The assignment or other writing attached shall be that by which the creditor or other assignee acquired the private education loan, not a document prepared for litigation.(16) A copy of all pages of the contract, application, or other documents evidencing the private education loan borrowers liability for the private education loan, stating all terms and conditions applicable to the private education loan.(17) An affidavit, signed under penalty of perjury, stating that a representative of the creditor personally reviewed the evidence submitted to the court pursuant to this subdivision for factual accuracy and confirmed the factual accuracy of the allegations set forth in the complaint and any supporting affidavits or affirmations filed with the court, as well as the accuracy of any notarizations contained in the supporting documents filed therewith.(18) A statement as to whether a debt is eligible for an income-based repayment plan.(19) A statement as to whether the debt is dischargeable in bankruptcy.(e) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the court finds that the applicable statute of limitations for the private education loan owned by the creditor has not expired.(f) (1) In addition to any other information required under applicable federal or state law, a private education loan collector shall provide in the first collection communication with the borrower and at any other time the borrower requests this documentation the information set forth in subdivision (d).(2) Failure by a private education loan collector to produce to a borrower, upon request, any documentation described in subdivision (d) is a violation of the Unfair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 17000) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code).1788.203. (a) Any person who suffers damage as a result of the failure of that creditor to comply with this title may bring an action against that creditor to recover or obtain any of the following:(1) An order vacating any default judgment entered against that person.(2) A judgment in favor of that person.(3) Actual damages, but in no case, shall the total award of damages be less than five hundred dollars ($500) per person, per violation.(4) Restitution of all moneys taken from or paid by that person after a judgment was obtained by a creditor.(5) Punitive damages.(6) Attorneys fees.(7) Correction of that persons credit report.(8) Any other relief that the court deems proper.(b) In addition to any other remedies provided in subdivision (a) or other law, whenever a party proves, by a preponderance of evidence, that a creditor or counsel representing a creditor filed an affidavit required under this title containing false information, the court shall award treble actual damages to the person, but in no case shall the award of damages be less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per person, per violation.1788.204. The provisions of this title are severable. If any provision of this title or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Title 1.6.C.15 (commencing with Section 1788.200) is added to Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, to read:TITLE 1.6.C.15. Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act1788.200. This title shall be known and may be cited as the Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act.1788.201. For purposes of this title, the following definitions apply:(a) Borrower or student loan borrower means a person who has received or agreed to pay a private education loan.(b) (1) Cosigner means any individual who is liable for the obligation of another without compensation, regardless of how the individual is designated in the contract or instrument with respect to that obligation, including an obligation under a private education loan extended to consolidate a borrowers preexisting private education loans, and shall include any person whose signature is requested as a condition to grant credit or to forbear on collection.(2) Cosigner does not include a spouse of an individual described in paragraph (1), the signature of whom is needed to perfect the security interest in a loan.(c) Creditor means any of the following:(1) The original creditor, where ownership of a private education loan has not been sold, assigned, or transferred.(2) The person or entity that owned the private education loan at the time the private education loan defaulted, even if that person or entity did not originate the private education loan, and where such a private education loan has not subsequently been sold, transferred, or assigned.(3) A person or entity that purchased a defaulted private education loan for collection purposes, whether it collects the private education loan itself or hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney for collection litigation.(d) Original creditor means the private education lender identified in a promissory note, loan agreement, or loan contract entered into with a student loan borrower or cosigner.(e) Private education lender means either of the following:(1) Any person or entity engaged in the business of securing, making, or extending private education loans.(2) Any holder of a private education loan.(f) Private education loan means an extension of credit that meets all of the following conditions:(1) Is not made, insured, or guaranteed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).(2) Is extended to a consumer expressly, in whole or in part, for postsecondary educational expenses, regardless of whether the loan is provided by the educational institution that the student attends.(3) Does not include open-end credit or any loan that is secured by real property or a dwelling.(4) Does not include an extension of credit in which the covered educational institution is the creditor if either:(A) The term of the extension of credit is 90 days or less.(B) An interest rate will not be applied to the credit balance and the term of the extension of credit is one year or less, even if the credit is payable in more than four installments.(g) Private education loan collection action means any judicial action in which a claim is asserted to collect a private education loan.(h) Private education loan collector means a person collecting or attempting to collect on a defaulted private education loan.1788.202. (a) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall not initiate a private education loan collection action unless the private education lender or private education loan collector possesses all of the documents listed in subdivision (d).(b) This section applies to a private education loan collection action that is maintained by a private education lender or a private education loan collector.(c) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the private education lender or private education loan collector introduces into evidence the documents specified in subdivision (d) in accordance with applicable rules of evidence.(d) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall introduce all of the following evidence in a private education loan collection action:(1) The name of the owner of the private education loan.(2) The original creditors name at the time of default, if applicable.(3) The original creditors account number used to identify the private education loan at the time of default, if the original creditor used an account number to identify the private education loan at the time of default.(4) The amount due at default.(5) An itemization of interest and fees, if any, incurred after default claimed to be owed and whether those were imposed by the original creditor or any subsequent owners of the private education loan.(6) The date that the private education loan was incurred.(7) The date of the first partial payment or the first day that a payment was missed, whichever is earlier.(8) The date and amount of the last payment, if applicable.(9) Any payments, settlement, or financial remuneration of any kind paid to the creditor by a guarantor, cosigner, or surety, and the amount of payment received.(10) A copy of the self-certification form and any other needs analysis conducted by the original creditor prior to origination of the loan.(11) The names of all persons or entities that owned the private education loan after the time of default, if applicable, and the date of each sale or transfer.(12) A log of all collection attempts made in the last 12 months, including date and time of all calls and letters.(13) A statement as to whether the creditor is willing to renegotiate the terms of the debt.(14) Copies of all settlement letters made in the last 12 months, or, in the alternative, a statement that the creditor has not attempted to settle or otherwise renegotiate the debt prior to suit.(15) Documentation establishing that the creditor is the owner of the specific individual private education loan at issue. If the private education loan was assigned more than once, the creditor shall possess each assignment or other writing evidencing the transfer of ownership of the specific individual private education loan to establish an unbroken chain of ownership, beginning with the original creditor to the first subsequent creditor and each additional creditor. Each assignment or other writing evidencing transfer of ownership or the right to collect must contain the original creditors account number (redacted for security purposes to show only the last four digits) of the private education loan purchased or otherwise assigned, the date of purchase and assignment, and must clearly show the borrowers correct name associated with the original account number. The assignment or other writing attached shall be that by which the creditor or other assignee acquired the private education loan, not a document prepared for litigation.(16) A copy of all pages of the contract, application, or other documents evidencing the private education loan borrowers liability for the private education loan, stating all terms and conditions applicable to the private education loan.(17) An affidavit, signed under penalty of perjury, stating that a representative of the creditor personally reviewed the evidence submitted to the court pursuant to this subdivision for factual accuracy and confirmed the factual accuracy of the allegations set forth in the complaint and any supporting affidavits or affirmations filed with the court, as well as the accuracy of any notarizations contained in the supporting documents filed therewith.(18) A statement as to whether a debt is eligible for an income-based repayment plan.(19) A statement as to whether the debt is dischargeable in bankruptcy.(e) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the court finds that the applicable statute of limitations for the private education loan owned by the creditor has not expired.(f) (1) In addition to any other information required under applicable federal or state law, a private education loan collector shall provide in the first collection communication with the borrower and at any other time the borrower requests this documentation the information set forth in subdivision (d).(2) Failure by a private education loan collector to produce to a borrower, upon request, any documentation described in subdivision (d) is a violation of the Unfair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 17000) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code).1788.203. (a) Any person who suffers damage as a result of the failure of that creditor to comply with this title may bring an action against that creditor to recover or obtain any of the following:(1) An order vacating any default judgment entered against that person.(2) A judgment in favor of that person.(3) Actual damages, but in no case, shall the total award of damages be less than five hundred dollars ($500) per person, per violation.(4) Restitution of all moneys taken from or paid by that person after a judgment was obtained by a creditor.(5) Punitive damages.(6) Attorneys fees.(7) Correction of that persons credit report.(8) Any other relief that the court deems proper.(b) In addition to any other remedies provided in subdivision (a) or other law, whenever a party proves, by a preponderance of evidence, that a creditor or counsel representing a creditor filed an affidavit required under this title containing false information, the court shall award treble actual damages to the person, but in no case shall the award of damages be less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per person, per violation.1788.204. The provisions of this title are severable. If any provision of this title or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
SECTION 1. Title 1.6.C.15 (commencing with Section 1788.200) is added to Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code, to read:
### SECTION 1.
TITLE 1.6.C.15. Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act1788.200. This title shall be known and may be cited as the Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act.1788.201. For purposes of this title, the following definitions apply:(a) Borrower or student loan borrower means a person who has received or agreed to pay a private education loan.(b) (1) Cosigner means any individual who is liable for the obligation of another without compensation, regardless of how the individual is designated in the contract or instrument with respect to that obligation, including an obligation under a private education loan extended to consolidate a borrowers preexisting private education loans, and shall include any person whose signature is requested as a condition to grant credit or to forbear on collection.(2) Cosigner does not include a spouse of an individual described in paragraph (1), the signature of whom is needed to perfect the security interest in a loan.(c) Creditor means any of the following:(1) The original creditor, where ownership of a private education loan has not been sold, assigned, or transferred.(2) The person or entity that owned the private education loan at the time the private education loan defaulted, even if that person or entity did not originate the private education loan, and where such a private education loan has not subsequently been sold, transferred, or assigned.(3) A person or entity that purchased a defaulted private education loan for collection purposes, whether it collects the private education loan itself or hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney for collection litigation.(d) Original creditor means the private education lender identified in a promissory note, loan agreement, or loan contract entered into with a student loan borrower or cosigner.(e) Private education lender means either of the following:(1) Any person or entity engaged in the business of securing, making, or extending private education loans.(2) Any holder of a private education loan.(f) Private education loan means an extension of credit that meets all of the following conditions:(1) Is not made, insured, or guaranteed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).(2) Is extended to a consumer expressly, in whole or in part, for postsecondary educational expenses, regardless of whether the loan is provided by the educational institution that the student attends.(3) Does not include open-end credit or any loan that is secured by real property or a dwelling.(4) Does not include an extension of credit in which the covered educational institution is the creditor if either:(A) The term of the extension of credit is 90 days or less.(B) An interest rate will not be applied to the credit balance and the term of the extension of credit is one year or less, even if the credit is payable in more than four installments.(g) Private education loan collection action means any judicial action in which a claim is asserted to collect a private education loan.(h) Private education loan collector means a person collecting or attempting to collect on a defaulted private education loan.1788.202. (a) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall not initiate a private education loan collection action unless the private education lender or private education loan collector possesses all of the documents listed in subdivision (d).(b) This section applies to a private education loan collection action that is maintained by a private education lender or a private education loan collector.(c) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the private education lender or private education loan collector introduces into evidence the documents specified in subdivision (d) in accordance with applicable rules of evidence.(d) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall introduce all of the following evidence in a private education loan collection action:(1) The name of the owner of the private education loan.(2) The original creditors name at the time of default, if applicable.(3) The original creditors account number used to identify the private education loan at the time of default, if the original creditor used an account number to identify the private education loan at the time of default.(4) The amount due at default.(5) An itemization of interest and fees, if any, incurred after default claimed to be owed and whether those were imposed by the original creditor or any subsequent owners of the private education loan.(6) The date that the private education loan was incurred.(7) The date of the first partial payment or the first day that a payment was missed, whichever is earlier.(8) The date and amount of the last payment, if applicable.(9) Any payments, settlement, or financial remuneration of any kind paid to the creditor by a guarantor, cosigner, or surety, and the amount of payment received.(10) A copy of the self-certification form and any other needs analysis conducted by the original creditor prior to origination of the loan.(11) The names of all persons or entities that owned the private education loan after the time of default, if applicable, and the date of each sale or transfer.(12) A log of all collection attempts made in the last 12 months, including date and time of all calls and letters.(13) A statement as to whether the creditor is willing to renegotiate the terms of the debt.(14) Copies of all settlement letters made in the last 12 months, or, in the alternative, a statement that the creditor has not attempted to settle or otherwise renegotiate the debt prior to suit.(15) Documentation establishing that the creditor is the owner of the specific individual private education loan at issue. If the private education loan was assigned more than once, the creditor shall possess each assignment or other writing evidencing the transfer of ownership of the specific individual private education loan to establish an unbroken chain of ownership, beginning with the original creditor to the first subsequent creditor and each additional creditor. Each assignment or other writing evidencing transfer of ownership or the right to collect must contain the original creditors account number (redacted for security purposes to show only the last four digits) of the private education loan purchased or otherwise assigned, the date of purchase and assignment, and must clearly show the borrowers correct name associated with the original account number. The assignment or other writing attached shall be that by which the creditor or other assignee acquired the private education loan, not a document prepared for litigation.(16) A copy of all pages of the contract, application, or other documents evidencing the private education loan borrowers liability for the private education loan, stating all terms and conditions applicable to the private education loan.(17) An affidavit, signed under penalty of perjury, stating that a representative of the creditor personally reviewed the evidence submitted to the court pursuant to this subdivision for factual accuracy and confirmed the factual accuracy of the allegations set forth in the complaint and any supporting affidavits or affirmations filed with the court, as well as the accuracy of any notarizations contained in the supporting documents filed therewith.(18) A statement as to whether a debt is eligible for an income-based repayment plan.(19) A statement as to whether the debt is dischargeable in bankruptcy.(e) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the court finds that the applicable statute of limitations for the private education loan owned by the creditor has not expired.(f) (1) In addition to any other information required under applicable federal or state law, a private education loan collector shall provide in the first collection communication with the borrower and at any other time the borrower requests this documentation the information set forth in subdivision (d).(2) Failure by a private education loan collector to produce to a borrower, upon request, any documentation described in subdivision (d) is a violation of the Unfair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 17000) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code).1788.203. (a) Any person who suffers damage as a result of the failure of that creditor to comply with this title may bring an action against that creditor to recover or obtain any of the following:(1) An order vacating any default judgment entered against that person.(2) A judgment in favor of that person.(3) Actual damages, but in no case, shall the total award of damages be less than five hundred dollars ($500) per person, per violation.(4) Restitution of all moneys taken from or paid by that person after a judgment was obtained by a creditor.(5) Punitive damages.(6) Attorneys fees.(7) Correction of that persons credit report.(8) Any other relief that the court deems proper.(b) In addition to any other remedies provided in subdivision (a) or other law, whenever a party proves, by a preponderance of evidence, that a creditor or counsel representing a creditor filed an affidavit required under this title containing false information, the court shall award treble actual damages to the person, but in no case shall the award of damages be less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per person, per violation.1788.204. The provisions of this title are severable. If any provision of this title or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
TITLE 1.6.C.15. Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act1788.200. This title shall be known and may be cited as the Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act.1788.201. For purposes of this title, the following definitions apply:(a) Borrower or student loan borrower means a person who has received or agreed to pay a private education loan.(b) (1) Cosigner means any individual who is liable for the obligation of another without compensation, regardless of how the individual is designated in the contract or instrument with respect to that obligation, including an obligation under a private education loan extended to consolidate a borrowers preexisting private education loans, and shall include any person whose signature is requested as a condition to grant credit or to forbear on collection.(2) Cosigner does not include a spouse of an individual described in paragraph (1), the signature of whom is needed to perfect the security interest in a loan.(c) Creditor means any of the following:(1) The original creditor, where ownership of a private education loan has not been sold, assigned, or transferred.(2) The person or entity that owned the private education loan at the time the private education loan defaulted, even if that person or entity did not originate the private education loan, and where such a private education loan has not subsequently been sold, transferred, or assigned.(3) A person or entity that purchased a defaulted private education loan for collection purposes, whether it collects the private education loan itself or hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney for collection litigation.(d) Original creditor means the private education lender identified in a promissory note, loan agreement, or loan contract entered into with a student loan borrower or cosigner.(e) Private education lender means either of the following:(1) Any person or entity engaged in the business of securing, making, or extending private education loans.(2) Any holder of a private education loan.(f) Private education loan means an extension of credit that meets all of the following conditions:(1) Is not made, insured, or guaranteed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).(2) Is extended to a consumer expressly, in whole or in part, for postsecondary educational expenses, regardless of whether the loan is provided by the educational institution that the student attends.(3) Does not include open-end credit or any loan that is secured by real property or a dwelling.(4) Does not include an extension of credit in which the covered educational institution is the creditor if either:(A) The term of the extension of credit is 90 days or less.(B) An interest rate will not be applied to the credit balance and the term of the extension of credit is one year or less, even if the credit is payable in more than four installments.(g) Private education loan collection action means any judicial action in which a claim is asserted to collect a private education loan.(h) Private education loan collector means a person collecting or attempting to collect on a defaulted private education loan.1788.202. (a) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall not initiate a private education loan collection action unless the private education lender or private education loan collector possesses all of the documents listed in subdivision (d).(b) This section applies to a private education loan collection action that is maintained by a private education lender or a private education loan collector.(c) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the private education lender or private education loan collector introduces into evidence the documents specified in subdivision (d) in accordance with applicable rules of evidence.(d) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall introduce all of the following evidence in a private education loan collection action:(1) The name of the owner of the private education loan.(2) The original creditors name at the time of default, if applicable.(3) The original creditors account number used to identify the private education loan at the time of default, if the original creditor used an account number to identify the private education loan at the time of default.(4) The amount due at default.(5) An itemization of interest and fees, if any, incurred after default claimed to be owed and whether those were imposed by the original creditor or any subsequent owners of the private education loan.(6) The date that the private education loan was incurred.(7) The date of the first partial payment or the first day that a payment was missed, whichever is earlier.(8) The date and amount of the last payment, if applicable.(9) Any payments, settlement, or financial remuneration of any kind paid to the creditor by a guarantor, cosigner, or surety, and the amount of payment received.(10) A copy of the self-certification form and any other needs analysis conducted by the original creditor prior to origination of the loan.(11) The names of all persons or entities that owned the private education loan after the time of default, if applicable, and the date of each sale or transfer.(12) A log of all collection attempts made in the last 12 months, including date and time of all calls and letters.(13) A statement as to whether the creditor is willing to renegotiate the terms of the debt.(14) Copies of all settlement letters made in the last 12 months, or, in the alternative, a statement that the creditor has not attempted to settle or otherwise renegotiate the debt prior to suit.(15) Documentation establishing that the creditor is the owner of the specific individual private education loan at issue. If the private education loan was assigned more than once, the creditor shall possess each assignment or other writing evidencing the transfer of ownership of the specific individual private education loan to establish an unbroken chain of ownership, beginning with the original creditor to the first subsequent creditor and each additional creditor. Each assignment or other writing evidencing transfer of ownership or the right to collect must contain the original creditors account number (redacted for security purposes to show only the last four digits) of the private education loan purchased or otherwise assigned, the date of purchase and assignment, and must clearly show the borrowers correct name associated with the original account number. The assignment or other writing attached shall be that by which the creditor or other assignee acquired the private education loan, not a document prepared for litigation.(16) A copy of all pages of the contract, application, or other documents evidencing the private education loan borrowers liability for the private education loan, stating all terms and conditions applicable to the private education loan.(17) An affidavit, signed under penalty of perjury, stating that a representative of the creditor personally reviewed the evidence submitted to the court pursuant to this subdivision for factual accuracy and confirmed the factual accuracy of the allegations set forth in the complaint and any supporting affidavits or affirmations filed with the court, as well as the accuracy of any notarizations contained in the supporting documents filed therewith.(18) A statement as to whether a debt is eligible for an income-based repayment plan.(19) A statement as to whether the debt is dischargeable in bankruptcy.(e) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the court finds that the applicable statute of limitations for the private education loan owned by the creditor has not expired.(f) (1) In addition to any other information required under applicable federal or state law, a private education loan collector shall provide in the first collection communication with the borrower and at any other time the borrower requests this documentation the information set forth in subdivision (d).(2) Failure by a private education loan collector to produce to a borrower, upon request, any documentation described in subdivision (d) is a violation of the Unfair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 17000) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code).1788.203. (a) Any person who suffers damage as a result of the failure of that creditor to comply with this title may bring an action against that creditor to recover or obtain any of the following:(1) An order vacating any default judgment entered against that person.(2) A judgment in favor of that person.(3) Actual damages, but in no case, shall the total award of damages be less than five hundred dollars ($500) per person, per violation.(4) Restitution of all moneys taken from or paid by that person after a judgment was obtained by a creditor.(5) Punitive damages.(6) Attorneys fees.(7) Correction of that persons credit report.(8) Any other relief that the court deems proper.(b) In addition to any other remedies provided in subdivision (a) or other law, whenever a party proves, by a preponderance of evidence, that a creditor or counsel representing a creditor filed an affidavit required under this title containing false information, the court shall award treble actual damages to the person, but in no case shall the award of damages be less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per person, per violation.1788.204. The provisions of this title are severable. If any provision of this title or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
TITLE 1.6.C.15. Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act
TITLE 1.6.C.15. Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act
1788.200. This title shall be known and may be cited as the Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act.
1788.200. This title shall be known and may be cited as the Private Student Loan Collections Reform Act.
1788.201. For purposes of this title, the following definitions apply:(a) Borrower or student loan borrower means a person who has received or agreed to pay a private education loan.(b) (1) Cosigner means any individual who is liable for the obligation of another without compensation, regardless of how the individual is designated in the contract or instrument with respect to that obligation, including an obligation under a private education loan extended to consolidate a borrowers preexisting private education loans, and shall include any person whose signature is requested as a condition to grant credit or to forbear on collection.(2) Cosigner does not include a spouse of an individual described in paragraph (1), the signature of whom is needed to perfect the security interest in a loan.(c) Creditor means any of the following:(1) The original creditor, where ownership of a private education loan has not been sold, assigned, or transferred.(2) The person or entity that owned the private education loan at the time the private education loan defaulted, even if that person or entity did not originate the private education loan, and where such a private education loan has not subsequently been sold, transferred, or assigned.(3) A person or entity that purchased a defaulted private education loan for collection purposes, whether it collects the private education loan itself or hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney for collection litigation.(d) Original creditor means the private education lender identified in a promissory note, loan agreement, or loan contract entered into with a student loan borrower or cosigner.(e) Private education lender means either of the following:(1) Any person or entity engaged in the business of securing, making, or extending private education loans.(2) Any holder of a private education loan.(f) Private education loan means an extension of credit that meets all of the following conditions:(1) Is not made, insured, or guaranteed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).(2) Is extended to a consumer expressly, in whole or in part, for postsecondary educational expenses, regardless of whether the loan is provided by the educational institution that the student attends.(3) Does not include open-end credit or any loan that is secured by real property or a dwelling.(4) Does not include an extension of credit in which the covered educational institution is the creditor if either:(A) The term of the extension of credit is 90 days or less.(B) An interest rate will not be applied to the credit balance and the term of the extension of credit is one year or less, even if the credit is payable in more than four installments.(g) Private education loan collection action means any judicial action in which a claim is asserted to collect a private education loan.(h) Private education loan collector means a person collecting or attempting to collect on a defaulted private education loan.
1788.201. For purposes of this title, the following definitions apply:
(a) Borrower or student loan borrower means a person who has received or agreed to pay a private education loan.
(b) (1) Cosigner means any individual who is liable for the obligation of another without compensation, regardless of how the individual is designated in the contract or instrument with respect to that obligation, including an obligation under a private education loan extended to consolidate a borrowers preexisting private education loans, and shall include any person whose signature is requested as a condition to grant credit or to forbear on collection.
(2) Cosigner does not include a spouse of an individual described in paragraph (1), the signature of whom is needed to perfect the security interest in a loan.
(c) Creditor means any of the following:
(1) The original creditor, where ownership of a private education loan has not been sold, assigned, or transferred.
(2) The person or entity that owned the private education loan at the time the private education loan defaulted, even if that person or entity did not originate the private education loan, and where such a private education loan has not subsequently been sold, transferred, or assigned.
(3) A person or entity that purchased a defaulted private education loan for collection purposes, whether it collects the private education loan itself or hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney for collection litigation.
(d) Original creditor means the private education lender identified in a promissory note, loan agreement, or loan contract entered into with a student loan borrower or cosigner.
(e) Private education lender means either of the following:
(1) Any person or entity engaged in the business of securing, making, or extending private education loans.
(2) Any holder of a private education loan.
(f) Private education loan means an extension of credit that meets all of the following conditions:
(1) Is not made, insured, or guaranteed under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).
(2) Is extended to a consumer expressly, in whole or in part, for postsecondary educational expenses, regardless of whether the loan is provided by the educational institution that the student attends.
(3) Does not include open-end credit or any loan that is secured by real property or a dwelling.
(4) Does not include an extension of credit in which the covered educational institution is the creditor if either:
(A) The term of the extension of credit is 90 days or less.
(B) An interest rate will not be applied to the credit balance and the term of the extension of credit is one year or less, even if the credit is payable in more than four installments.
(g) Private education loan collection action means any judicial action in which a claim is asserted to collect a private education loan.
(h) Private education loan collector means a person collecting or attempting to collect on a defaulted private education loan.
1788.202. (a) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall not initiate a private education loan collection action unless the private education lender or private education loan collector possesses all of the documents listed in subdivision (d).(b) This section applies to a private education loan collection action that is maintained by a private education lender or a private education loan collector.(c) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the private education lender or private education loan collector introduces into evidence the documents specified in subdivision (d) in accordance with applicable rules of evidence.(d) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall introduce all of the following evidence in a private education loan collection action:(1) The name of the owner of the private education loan.(2) The original creditors name at the time of default, if applicable.(3) The original creditors account number used to identify the private education loan at the time of default, if the original creditor used an account number to identify the private education loan at the time of default.(4) The amount due at default.(5) An itemization of interest and fees, if any, incurred after default claimed to be owed and whether those were imposed by the original creditor or any subsequent owners of the private education loan.(6) The date that the private education loan was incurred.(7) The date of the first partial payment or the first day that a payment was missed, whichever is earlier.(8) The date and amount of the last payment, if applicable.(9) Any payments, settlement, or financial remuneration of any kind paid to the creditor by a guarantor, cosigner, or surety, and the amount of payment received.(10) A copy of the self-certification form and any other needs analysis conducted by the original creditor prior to origination of the loan.(11) The names of all persons or entities that owned the private education loan after the time of default, if applicable, and the date of each sale or transfer.(12) A log of all collection attempts made in the last 12 months, including date and time of all calls and letters.(13) A statement as to whether the creditor is willing to renegotiate the terms of the debt.(14) Copies of all settlement letters made in the last 12 months, or, in the alternative, a statement that the creditor has not attempted to settle or otherwise renegotiate the debt prior to suit.(15) Documentation establishing that the creditor is the owner of the specific individual private education loan at issue. If the private education loan was assigned more than once, the creditor shall possess each assignment or other writing evidencing the transfer of ownership of the specific individual private education loan to establish an unbroken chain of ownership, beginning with the original creditor to the first subsequent creditor and each additional creditor. Each assignment or other writing evidencing transfer of ownership or the right to collect must contain the original creditors account number (redacted for security purposes to show only the last four digits) of the private education loan purchased or otherwise assigned, the date of purchase and assignment, and must clearly show the borrowers correct name associated with the original account number. The assignment or other writing attached shall be that by which the creditor or other assignee acquired the private education loan, not a document prepared for litigation.(16) A copy of all pages of the contract, application, or other documents evidencing the private education loan borrowers liability for the private education loan, stating all terms and conditions applicable to the private education loan.(17) An affidavit, signed under penalty of perjury, stating that a representative of the creditor personally reviewed the evidence submitted to the court pursuant to this subdivision for factual accuracy and confirmed the factual accuracy of the allegations set forth in the complaint and any supporting affidavits or affirmations filed with the court, as well as the accuracy of any notarizations contained in the supporting documents filed therewith.(18) A statement as to whether a debt is eligible for an income-based repayment plan.(19) A statement as to whether the debt is dischargeable in bankruptcy.(e) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the court finds that the applicable statute of limitations for the private education loan owned by the creditor has not expired.(f) (1) In addition to any other information required under applicable federal or state law, a private education loan collector shall provide in the first collection communication with the borrower and at any other time the borrower requests this documentation the information set forth in subdivision (d).(2) Failure by a private education loan collector to produce to a borrower, upon request, any documentation described in subdivision (d) is a violation of the Unfair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 17000) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code).
1788.202. (a) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall not initiate a private education loan collection action unless the private education lender or private education loan collector possesses all of the documents listed in subdivision (d).
(b) This section applies to a private education loan collection action that is maintained by a private education lender or a private education loan collector.
(c) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the private education lender or private education loan collector introduces into evidence the documents specified in subdivision (d) in accordance with applicable rules of evidence.
(d) A private education lender or a private education loan collector shall introduce all of the following evidence in a private education loan collection action:
(1) The name of the owner of the private education loan.
(2) The original creditors name at the time of default, if applicable.
(3) The original creditors account number used to identify the private education loan at the time of default, if the original creditor used an account number to identify the private education loan at the time of default.
(4) The amount due at default.
(5) An itemization of interest and fees, if any, incurred after default claimed to be owed and whether those were imposed by the original creditor or any subsequent owners of the private education loan.
(6) The date that the private education loan was incurred.
(7) The date of the first partial payment or the first day that a payment was missed, whichever is earlier.
(8) The date and amount of the last payment, if applicable.
(9) Any payments, settlement, or financial remuneration of any kind paid to the creditor by a guarantor, cosigner, or surety, and the amount of payment received.
(10) A copy of the self-certification form and any other needs analysis conducted by the original creditor prior to origination of the loan.
(11) The names of all persons or entities that owned the private education loan after the time of default, if applicable, and the date of each sale or transfer.
(12) A log of all collection attempts made in the last 12 months, including date and time of all calls and letters.
(13) A statement as to whether the creditor is willing to renegotiate the terms of the debt.
(14) Copies of all settlement letters made in the last 12 months, or, in the alternative, a statement that the creditor has not attempted to settle or otherwise renegotiate the debt prior to suit.
(15) Documentation establishing that the creditor is the owner of the specific individual private education loan at issue. If the private education loan was assigned more than once, the creditor shall possess each assignment or other writing evidencing the transfer of ownership of the specific individual private education loan to establish an unbroken chain of ownership, beginning with the original creditor to the first subsequent creditor and each additional creditor. Each assignment or other writing evidencing transfer of ownership or the right to collect must contain the original creditors account number (redacted for security purposes to show only the last four digits) of the private education loan purchased or otherwise assigned, the date of purchase and assignment, and must clearly show the borrowers correct name associated with the original account number. The assignment or other writing attached shall be that by which the creditor or other assignee acquired the private education loan, not a document prepared for litigation.
(16) A copy of all pages of the contract, application, or other documents evidencing the private education loan borrowers liability for the private education loan, stating all terms and conditions applicable to the private education loan.
(17) An affidavit, signed under penalty of perjury, stating that a representative of the creditor personally reviewed the evidence submitted to the court pursuant to this subdivision for factual accuracy and confirmed the factual accuracy of the allegations set forth in the complaint and any supporting affidavits or affirmations filed with the court, as well as the accuracy of any notarizations contained in the supporting documents filed therewith.
(18) A statement as to whether a debt is eligible for an income-based repayment plan.
(19) A statement as to whether the debt is dischargeable in bankruptcy.
(e) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a court may not enter a judgment in favor of a private education lender or a private education loan collector unless the court finds that the applicable statute of limitations for the private education loan owned by the creditor has not expired.
(f) (1) In addition to any other information required under applicable federal or state law, a private education loan collector shall provide in the first collection communication with the borrower and at any other time the borrower requests this documentation the information set forth in subdivision (d).
(2) Failure by a private education loan collector to produce to a borrower, upon request, any documentation described in subdivision (d) is a violation of the Unfair Practices Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 17000) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code).
1788.203. (a) Any person who suffers damage as a result of the failure of that creditor to comply with this title may bring an action against that creditor to recover or obtain any of the following:(1) An order vacating any default judgment entered against that person.(2) A judgment in favor of that person.(3) Actual damages, but in no case, shall the total award of damages be less than five hundred dollars ($500) per person, per violation.(4) Restitution of all moneys taken from or paid by that person after a judgment was obtained by a creditor.(5) Punitive damages.(6) Attorneys fees.(7) Correction of that persons credit report.(8) Any other relief that the court deems proper.(b) In addition to any other remedies provided in subdivision (a) or other law, whenever a party proves, by a preponderance of evidence, that a creditor or counsel representing a creditor filed an affidavit required under this title containing false information, the court shall award treble actual damages to the person, but in no case shall the award of damages be less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per person, per violation.
1788.203. (a) Any person who suffers damage as a result of the failure of that creditor to comply with this title may bring an action against that creditor to recover or obtain any of the following:
(1) An order vacating any default judgment entered against that person.
(2) A judgment in favor of that person.
(3) Actual damages, but in no case, shall the total award of damages be less than five hundred dollars ($500) per person, per violation.
(4) Restitution of all moneys taken from or paid by that person after a judgment was obtained by a creditor.
(5) Punitive damages.
(6) Attorneys fees.
(7) Correction of that persons credit report.
(8) Any other relief that the court deems proper.
(b) In addition to any other remedies provided in subdivision (a) or other law, whenever a party proves, by a preponderance of evidence, that a creditor or counsel representing a creditor filed an affidavit required under this title containing false information, the court shall award treble actual damages to the person, but in no case shall the award of damages be less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per person, per violation.
1788.204. The provisions of this title are severable. If any provision of this title or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
1788.204. The provisions of this title are severable. If any provision of this title or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
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