CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 531Introduced by Senator WieckowskiFebruary 17, 2021 An act to amend Sections 1788.50 and 1788.52 of, and to add Section 1788.53 to, the Civil Code, relating to consumer debt. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 531, as introduced, Wieckowski. Consumer debt.Existing law, the Debt Collection Licensing Act, prohibits, beginning January 1, 2022, a person from engaging in the business of debt collection in this state without first obtaining a license from the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation. Existing law prohibits a debt buyer from making a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer possesses specified information, including the date of default or the date of the last payment. Existing law defines debt buyer to mean a person or entity that is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation.This bill would define debt buyer to additionally mean a person or entity that is regularly assigned consumer debt for collection purposes and would prohibit a creditor from selling a consumer debt or assigning to a third party the right to collect payments on a consumer debt unless the creditor has provided a notice to the debtor at least 30 days before selling the debt that contains certain information, including the dollar amount of the outstanding debt. The bill would additionally require a debt buyer to be in possession of a copy of that notice before making the written statement to a debtor described above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 1788.50 of the Civil Code is amended to read:1788.50. (a) As used in this title:(1) (A) Debt buyer means a person or entity that is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation. Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off. meets either of the following criteria:(i) The person or entity is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation.(ii) The person or entity is regularly assigned consumer debt for collection purposes.(B) Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off.(2) Charged-off consumer debt means a consumer debt that has been removed from a creditors books as an asset and treated as a loss or expense.(b) The acquisition by a check services company of the right to collect on a paper or electronic check instrument, including an Automated Clearing House item, that has been returned unpaid to a merchant does not constitute a purchase of delinquent consumer debt under this title.(c) Terms defined in Title 1.6C (commencing with Section 1788) shall apply to this title.(d) This title shall apply to debt buyers with respect to all consumer debt sold or resold on or after January 1, 2014.SEC. 2. Section 1788.52 of the Civil Code is amended to read:1788.52. (a) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer possesses the following information:(1) That the debt buyer is the sole owner of the debt at issue or has authority to assert the rights of all owners of the debt.(2) The debt balance at charge off and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all post-charge-off interest and fees, if any, imposed by the charge-off creditor or any subsequent purchasers of the debt. This paragraph shall not be deemed to require a specific itemization, but the explanation shall identify separately the charge-off balance, the total of any post-charge-off interest, and the total of any post-charge-off fees.(3) The date of default or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the charge-off creditor at the time of charge off, and the charge-off creditors account number associated with the debt. The charge-off creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the charge-off creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the charge-off creditors records prior to the sale of the debt. If the debt was sold prior to January 1, 2014, the name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the debt owners records on December 31, 2013, shall be sufficient.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities that purchased the debt after charge off, including the debt buyer making the written statement. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each such purchaser.(7) The California license number of the debt buyer.(8) A copy of the notice sent to the debtor pursuant to Section 1788.53.(b) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt. If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt buyer shall have access to a copy of a document provided to the debtor while the account was active, demonstrating that the debt was incurred by the debtor. For a revolving credit account, the most recent monthly statement recording a purchase transaction, last payment, or balance transfer shall be deemed sufficient to satisfy this requirement.(c) A debt buyer shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 15 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. If the debt buyer cannot provide the information or documents within 15 calendar days, the debt buyer shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt buyer provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). Except as provided otherwise in this title, the request by the debtor shall be consistent with the validation requirements contained in Section 1692g of Title 15 of the United States Code. A debt buyer shall provide all debtors with whom it has contact an active postal address to which these requests can be sent. A debt buyer may also provide an active email address to which these requests can be sent and through which information and documents can be delivered, if the parties agree.(d) (1) A debt buyer shall include with its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that provides:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt buyer] has the right to seek collection of the debt; (2) the debt balance, including an explanation of any interest charges and additional fees; (3) the date of default or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the charge-off creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the charge-off creditors or debt buyers records prior to the sale of the debt, as appropriate; and (6) the names of all persons or entities that have purchased the debt. You may also request from us a copy of the contract or other document evidencing your agreement to the debt.A request for these records may be addressed to: [insert debt buyers active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is not past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it. If you do not pay the debt, [insert name of debt buyer] may [continue to] report it to the credit reporting agencies as unpaid for as long as the law permits this reporting.(3) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it, and we will not report it to any credit reporting agency.(e) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt buyer in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by subdivision (d) shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five working days.(f) In the event of a conflict between the requirements of subdivision (d) and federal law, so that it is impracticable to comply with both, the requirements of federal law shall prevail.SEC. 3. Section 1788.53 is added to the Civil Code, to read:1788.53. (a) A creditor shall not sell a consumer debt or assign to a third party the right to collect payments on a consumer debt unless the creditor has provided a notice to the debtor at least 30 days before selling the debt that contains all of the following information:(1) The dollar amount of the outstanding debt.(2) The name of the party to whom the debt will be sold.(b) A creditor shall provide the notice described in subdivision (a) to a purchaser of the debt that is the subject of that notice.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 531Introduced by Senator WieckowskiFebruary 17, 2021 An act to amend Sections 1788.50 and 1788.52 of, and to add Section 1788.53 to, the Civil Code, relating to consumer debt. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 531, as introduced, Wieckowski. Consumer debt.Existing law, the Debt Collection Licensing Act, prohibits, beginning January 1, 2022, a person from engaging in the business of debt collection in this state without first obtaining a license from the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation. Existing law prohibits a debt buyer from making a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer possesses specified information, including the date of default or the date of the last payment. Existing law defines debt buyer to mean a person or entity that is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation.This bill would define debt buyer to additionally mean a person or entity that is regularly assigned consumer debt for collection purposes and would prohibit a creditor from selling a consumer debt or assigning to a third party the right to collect payments on a consumer debt unless the creditor has provided a notice to the debtor at least 30 days before selling the debt that contains certain information, including the dollar amount of the outstanding debt. The bill would additionally require a debt buyer to be in possession of a copy of that notice before making the written statement to a debtor described above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION
Senate Bill
No. 531
Introduced by Senator WieckowskiFebruary 17, 2021
Introduced by Senator Wieckowski
February 17, 2021
An act to amend Sections 1788.50 and 1788.52 of, and to add Section 1788.53 to, the Civil Code, relating to consumer debt.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 531, as introduced, Wieckowski. Consumer debt.
Existing law, the Debt Collection Licensing Act, prohibits, beginning January 1, 2022, a person from engaging in the business of debt collection in this state without first obtaining a license from the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation. Existing law prohibits a debt buyer from making a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer possesses specified information, including the date of default or the date of the last payment. Existing law defines debt buyer to mean a person or entity that is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation.This bill would define debt buyer to additionally mean a person or entity that is regularly assigned consumer debt for collection purposes and would prohibit a creditor from selling a consumer debt or assigning to a third party the right to collect payments on a consumer debt unless the creditor has provided a notice to the debtor at least 30 days before selling the debt that contains certain information, including the dollar amount of the outstanding debt. The bill would additionally require a debt buyer to be in possession of a copy of that notice before making the written statement to a debtor described above.
Existing law, the Debt Collection Licensing Act, prohibits, beginning January 1, 2022, a person from engaging in the business of debt collection in this state without first obtaining a license from the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation. Existing law prohibits a debt buyer from making a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer possesses specified information, including the date of default or the date of the last payment. Existing law defines debt buyer to mean a person or entity that is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation.
This bill would define debt buyer to additionally mean a person or entity that is regularly assigned consumer debt for collection purposes and would prohibit a creditor from selling a consumer debt or assigning to a third party the right to collect payments on a consumer debt unless the creditor has provided a notice to the debtor at least 30 days before selling the debt that contains certain information, including the dollar amount of the outstanding debt. The bill would additionally require a debt buyer to be in possession of a copy of that notice before making the written statement to a debtor described above.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 1788.50 of the Civil Code is amended to read:1788.50. (a) As used in this title:(1) (A) Debt buyer means a person or entity that is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation. Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off. meets either of the following criteria:(i) The person or entity is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation.(ii) The person or entity is regularly assigned consumer debt for collection purposes.(B) Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off.(2) Charged-off consumer debt means a consumer debt that has been removed from a creditors books as an asset and treated as a loss or expense.(b) The acquisition by a check services company of the right to collect on a paper or electronic check instrument, including an Automated Clearing House item, that has been returned unpaid to a merchant does not constitute a purchase of delinquent consumer debt under this title.(c) Terms defined in Title 1.6C (commencing with Section 1788) shall apply to this title.(d) This title shall apply to debt buyers with respect to all consumer debt sold or resold on or after January 1, 2014.SEC. 2. Section 1788.52 of the Civil Code is amended to read:1788.52. (a) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer possesses the following information:(1) That the debt buyer is the sole owner of the debt at issue or has authority to assert the rights of all owners of the debt.(2) The debt balance at charge off and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all post-charge-off interest and fees, if any, imposed by the charge-off creditor or any subsequent purchasers of the debt. This paragraph shall not be deemed to require a specific itemization, but the explanation shall identify separately the charge-off balance, the total of any post-charge-off interest, and the total of any post-charge-off fees.(3) The date of default or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the charge-off creditor at the time of charge off, and the charge-off creditors account number associated with the debt. The charge-off creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the charge-off creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the charge-off creditors records prior to the sale of the debt. If the debt was sold prior to January 1, 2014, the name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the debt owners records on December 31, 2013, shall be sufficient.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities that purchased the debt after charge off, including the debt buyer making the written statement. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each such purchaser.(7) The California license number of the debt buyer.(8) A copy of the notice sent to the debtor pursuant to Section 1788.53.(b) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt. If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt buyer shall have access to a copy of a document provided to the debtor while the account was active, demonstrating that the debt was incurred by the debtor. For a revolving credit account, the most recent monthly statement recording a purchase transaction, last payment, or balance transfer shall be deemed sufficient to satisfy this requirement.(c) A debt buyer shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 15 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. If the debt buyer cannot provide the information or documents within 15 calendar days, the debt buyer shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt buyer provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). Except as provided otherwise in this title, the request by the debtor shall be consistent with the validation requirements contained in Section 1692g of Title 15 of the United States Code. A debt buyer shall provide all debtors with whom it has contact an active postal address to which these requests can be sent. A debt buyer may also provide an active email address to which these requests can be sent and through which information and documents can be delivered, if the parties agree.(d) (1) A debt buyer shall include with its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that provides:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt buyer] has the right to seek collection of the debt; (2) the debt balance, including an explanation of any interest charges and additional fees; (3) the date of default or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the charge-off creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the charge-off creditors or debt buyers records prior to the sale of the debt, as appropriate; and (6) the names of all persons or entities that have purchased the debt. You may also request from us a copy of the contract or other document evidencing your agreement to the debt.A request for these records may be addressed to: [insert debt buyers active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is not past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it. If you do not pay the debt, [insert name of debt buyer] may [continue to] report it to the credit reporting agencies as unpaid for as long as the law permits this reporting.(3) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it, and we will not report it to any credit reporting agency.(e) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt buyer in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by subdivision (d) shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five working days.(f) In the event of a conflict between the requirements of subdivision (d) and federal law, so that it is impracticable to comply with both, the requirements of federal law shall prevail.SEC. 3. Section 1788.53 is added to the Civil Code, to read:1788.53. (a) A creditor shall not sell a consumer debt or assign to a third party the right to collect payments on a consumer debt unless the creditor has provided a notice to the debtor at least 30 days before selling the debt that contains all of the following information:(1) The dollar amount of the outstanding debt.(2) The name of the party to whom the debt will be sold.(b) A creditor shall provide the notice described in subdivision (a) to a purchaser of the debt that is the subject of that notice.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 1788.50 of the Civil Code is amended to read:1788.50. (a) As used in this title:(1) (A) Debt buyer means a person or entity that is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation. Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off. meets either of the following criteria:(i) The person or entity is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation.(ii) The person or entity is regularly assigned consumer debt for collection purposes.(B) Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off.(2) Charged-off consumer debt means a consumer debt that has been removed from a creditors books as an asset and treated as a loss or expense.(b) The acquisition by a check services company of the right to collect on a paper or electronic check instrument, including an Automated Clearing House item, that has been returned unpaid to a merchant does not constitute a purchase of delinquent consumer debt under this title.(c) Terms defined in Title 1.6C (commencing with Section 1788) shall apply to this title.(d) This title shall apply to debt buyers with respect to all consumer debt sold or resold on or after January 1, 2014.
SECTION 1. Section 1788.50 of the Civil Code is amended to read:
### SECTION 1.
1788.50. (a) As used in this title:(1) (A) Debt buyer means a person or entity that is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation. Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off. meets either of the following criteria:(i) The person or entity is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation.(ii) The person or entity is regularly assigned consumer debt for collection purposes.(B) Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off.(2) Charged-off consumer debt means a consumer debt that has been removed from a creditors books as an asset and treated as a loss or expense.(b) The acquisition by a check services company of the right to collect on a paper or electronic check instrument, including an Automated Clearing House item, that has been returned unpaid to a merchant does not constitute a purchase of delinquent consumer debt under this title.(c) Terms defined in Title 1.6C (commencing with Section 1788) shall apply to this title.(d) This title shall apply to debt buyers with respect to all consumer debt sold or resold on or after January 1, 2014.
1788.50. (a) As used in this title:(1) (A) Debt buyer means a person or entity that is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation. Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off. meets either of the following criteria:(i) The person or entity is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation.(ii) The person or entity is regularly assigned consumer debt for collection purposes.(B) Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off.(2) Charged-off consumer debt means a consumer debt that has been removed from a creditors books as an asset and treated as a loss or expense.(b) The acquisition by a check services company of the right to collect on a paper or electronic check instrument, including an Automated Clearing House item, that has been returned unpaid to a merchant does not constitute a purchase of delinquent consumer debt under this title.(c) Terms defined in Title 1.6C (commencing with Section 1788) shall apply to this title.(d) This title shall apply to debt buyers with respect to all consumer debt sold or resold on or after January 1, 2014.
1788.50. (a) As used in this title:(1) (A) Debt buyer means a person or entity that is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation. Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off. meets either of the following criteria:(i) The person or entity is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation.(ii) The person or entity is regularly assigned consumer debt for collection purposes.(B) Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off.(2) Charged-off consumer debt means a consumer debt that has been removed from a creditors books as an asset and treated as a loss or expense.(b) The acquisition by a check services company of the right to collect on a paper or electronic check instrument, including an Automated Clearing House item, that has been returned unpaid to a merchant does not constitute a purchase of delinquent consumer debt under this title.(c) Terms defined in Title 1.6C (commencing with Section 1788) shall apply to this title.(d) This title shall apply to debt buyers with respect to all consumer debt sold or resold on or after January 1, 2014.
1788.50. (a) As used in this title:
(1) (A) Debt buyer means a person or entity that is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation. Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off. meets either of the following criteria:
(i) The person or entity is regularly engaged in the business of purchasing charged-off consumer debt for collection purposes, whether it collects the debt itself, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney-at-law for collection litigation.
(ii) The person or entity is regularly assigned consumer debt for collection purposes.
(B) Debt buyer does not mean a person or entity that acquires a charged-off consumer debt incidental to the purchase of a portfolio predominantly consisting of consumer debt that has not been charged off.
(2) Charged-off consumer debt means a consumer debt that has been removed from a creditors books as an asset and treated as a loss or expense.
(b) The acquisition by a check services company of the right to collect on a paper or electronic check instrument, including an Automated Clearing House item, that has been returned unpaid to a merchant does not constitute a purchase of delinquent consumer debt under this title.
(c) Terms defined in Title 1.6C (commencing with Section 1788) shall apply to this title.
(d) This title shall apply to debt buyers with respect to all consumer debt sold or resold on or after January 1, 2014.
SEC. 2. Section 1788.52 of the Civil Code is amended to read:1788.52. (a) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer possesses the following information:(1) That the debt buyer is the sole owner of the debt at issue or has authority to assert the rights of all owners of the debt.(2) The debt balance at charge off and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all post-charge-off interest and fees, if any, imposed by the charge-off creditor or any subsequent purchasers of the debt. This paragraph shall not be deemed to require a specific itemization, but the explanation shall identify separately the charge-off balance, the total of any post-charge-off interest, and the total of any post-charge-off fees.(3) The date of default or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the charge-off creditor at the time of charge off, and the charge-off creditors account number associated with the debt. The charge-off creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the charge-off creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the charge-off creditors records prior to the sale of the debt. If the debt was sold prior to January 1, 2014, the name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the debt owners records on December 31, 2013, shall be sufficient.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities that purchased the debt after charge off, including the debt buyer making the written statement. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each such purchaser.(7) The California license number of the debt buyer.(8) A copy of the notice sent to the debtor pursuant to Section 1788.53.(b) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt. If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt buyer shall have access to a copy of a document provided to the debtor while the account was active, demonstrating that the debt was incurred by the debtor. For a revolving credit account, the most recent monthly statement recording a purchase transaction, last payment, or balance transfer shall be deemed sufficient to satisfy this requirement.(c) A debt buyer shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 15 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. If the debt buyer cannot provide the information or documents within 15 calendar days, the debt buyer shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt buyer provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). Except as provided otherwise in this title, the request by the debtor shall be consistent with the validation requirements contained in Section 1692g of Title 15 of the United States Code. A debt buyer shall provide all debtors with whom it has contact an active postal address to which these requests can be sent. A debt buyer may also provide an active email address to which these requests can be sent and through which information and documents can be delivered, if the parties agree.(d) (1) A debt buyer shall include with its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that provides:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt buyer] has the right to seek collection of the debt; (2) the debt balance, including an explanation of any interest charges and additional fees; (3) the date of default or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the charge-off creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the charge-off creditors or debt buyers records prior to the sale of the debt, as appropriate; and (6) the names of all persons or entities that have purchased the debt. You may also request from us a copy of the contract or other document evidencing your agreement to the debt.A request for these records may be addressed to: [insert debt buyers active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is not past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it. If you do not pay the debt, [insert name of debt buyer] may [continue to] report it to the credit reporting agencies as unpaid for as long as the law permits this reporting.(3) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it, and we will not report it to any credit reporting agency.(e) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt buyer in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by subdivision (d) shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five working days.(f) In the event of a conflict between the requirements of subdivision (d) and federal law, so that it is impracticable to comply with both, the requirements of federal law shall prevail.
SEC. 2. Section 1788.52 of the Civil Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 2.
1788.52. (a) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer possesses the following information:(1) That the debt buyer is the sole owner of the debt at issue or has authority to assert the rights of all owners of the debt.(2) The debt balance at charge off and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all post-charge-off interest and fees, if any, imposed by the charge-off creditor or any subsequent purchasers of the debt. This paragraph shall not be deemed to require a specific itemization, but the explanation shall identify separately the charge-off balance, the total of any post-charge-off interest, and the total of any post-charge-off fees.(3) The date of default or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the charge-off creditor at the time of charge off, and the charge-off creditors account number associated with the debt. The charge-off creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the charge-off creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the charge-off creditors records prior to the sale of the debt. If the debt was sold prior to January 1, 2014, the name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the debt owners records on December 31, 2013, shall be sufficient.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities that purchased the debt after charge off, including the debt buyer making the written statement. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each such purchaser.(7) The California license number of the debt buyer.(8) A copy of the notice sent to the debtor pursuant to Section 1788.53.(b) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt. If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt buyer shall have access to a copy of a document provided to the debtor while the account was active, demonstrating that the debt was incurred by the debtor. For a revolving credit account, the most recent monthly statement recording a purchase transaction, last payment, or balance transfer shall be deemed sufficient to satisfy this requirement.(c) A debt buyer shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 15 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. If the debt buyer cannot provide the information or documents within 15 calendar days, the debt buyer shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt buyer provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). Except as provided otherwise in this title, the request by the debtor shall be consistent with the validation requirements contained in Section 1692g of Title 15 of the United States Code. A debt buyer shall provide all debtors with whom it has contact an active postal address to which these requests can be sent. A debt buyer may also provide an active email address to which these requests can be sent and through which information and documents can be delivered, if the parties agree.(d) (1) A debt buyer shall include with its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that provides:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt buyer] has the right to seek collection of the debt; (2) the debt balance, including an explanation of any interest charges and additional fees; (3) the date of default or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the charge-off creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the charge-off creditors or debt buyers records prior to the sale of the debt, as appropriate; and (6) the names of all persons or entities that have purchased the debt. You may also request from us a copy of the contract or other document evidencing your agreement to the debt.A request for these records may be addressed to: [insert debt buyers active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is not past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it. If you do not pay the debt, [insert name of debt buyer] may [continue to] report it to the credit reporting agencies as unpaid for as long as the law permits this reporting.(3) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it, and we will not report it to any credit reporting agency.(e) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt buyer in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by subdivision (d) shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five working days.(f) In the event of a conflict between the requirements of subdivision (d) and federal law, so that it is impracticable to comply with both, the requirements of federal law shall prevail.
1788.52. (a) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer possesses the following information:(1) That the debt buyer is the sole owner of the debt at issue or has authority to assert the rights of all owners of the debt.(2) The debt balance at charge off and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all post-charge-off interest and fees, if any, imposed by the charge-off creditor or any subsequent purchasers of the debt. This paragraph shall not be deemed to require a specific itemization, but the explanation shall identify separately the charge-off balance, the total of any post-charge-off interest, and the total of any post-charge-off fees.(3) The date of default or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the charge-off creditor at the time of charge off, and the charge-off creditors account number associated with the debt. The charge-off creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the charge-off creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the charge-off creditors records prior to the sale of the debt. If the debt was sold prior to January 1, 2014, the name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the debt owners records on December 31, 2013, shall be sufficient.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities that purchased the debt after charge off, including the debt buyer making the written statement. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each such purchaser.(7) The California license number of the debt buyer.(8) A copy of the notice sent to the debtor pursuant to Section 1788.53.(b) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt. If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt buyer shall have access to a copy of a document provided to the debtor while the account was active, demonstrating that the debt was incurred by the debtor. For a revolving credit account, the most recent monthly statement recording a purchase transaction, last payment, or balance transfer shall be deemed sufficient to satisfy this requirement.(c) A debt buyer shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 15 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. If the debt buyer cannot provide the information or documents within 15 calendar days, the debt buyer shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt buyer provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). Except as provided otherwise in this title, the request by the debtor shall be consistent with the validation requirements contained in Section 1692g of Title 15 of the United States Code. A debt buyer shall provide all debtors with whom it has contact an active postal address to which these requests can be sent. A debt buyer may also provide an active email address to which these requests can be sent and through which information and documents can be delivered, if the parties agree.(d) (1) A debt buyer shall include with its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that provides:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt buyer] has the right to seek collection of the debt; (2) the debt balance, including an explanation of any interest charges and additional fees; (3) the date of default or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the charge-off creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the charge-off creditors or debt buyers records prior to the sale of the debt, as appropriate; and (6) the names of all persons or entities that have purchased the debt. You may also request from us a copy of the contract or other document evidencing your agreement to the debt.A request for these records may be addressed to: [insert debt buyers active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is not past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it. If you do not pay the debt, [insert name of debt buyer] may [continue to] report it to the credit reporting agencies as unpaid for as long as the law permits this reporting.(3) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it, and we will not report it to any credit reporting agency.(e) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt buyer in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by subdivision (d) shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five working days.(f) In the event of a conflict between the requirements of subdivision (d) and federal law, so that it is impracticable to comply with both, the requirements of federal law shall prevail.
1788.52. (a) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer possesses the following information:(1) That the debt buyer is the sole owner of the debt at issue or has authority to assert the rights of all owners of the debt.(2) The debt balance at charge off and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all post-charge-off interest and fees, if any, imposed by the charge-off creditor or any subsequent purchasers of the debt. This paragraph shall not be deemed to require a specific itemization, but the explanation shall identify separately the charge-off balance, the total of any post-charge-off interest, and the total of any post-charge-off fees.(3) The date of default or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the charge-off creditor at the time of charge off, and the charge-off creditors account number associated with the debt. The charge-off creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the charge-off creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the charge-off creditors records prior to the sale of the debt. If the debt was sold prior to January 1, 2014, the name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the debt owners records on December 31, 2013, shall be sufficient.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities that purchased the debt after charge off, including the debt buyer making the written statement. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each such purchaser.(7) The California license number of the debt buyer.(8) A copy of the notice sent to the debtor pursuant to Section 1788.53.(b) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt. If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt buyer shall have access to a copy of a document provided to the debtor while the account was active, demonstrating that the debt was incurred by the debtor. For a revolving credit account, the most recent monthly statement recording a purchase transaction, last payment, or balance transfer shall be deemed sufficient to satisfy this requirement.(c) A debt buyer shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 15 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. If the debt buyer cannot provide the information or documents within 15 calendar days, the debt buyer shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt buyer provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). Except as provided otherwise in this title, the request by the debtor shall be consistent with the validation requirements contained in Section 1692g of Title 15 of the United States Code. A debt buyer shall provide all debtors with whom it has contact an active postal address to which these requests can be sent. A debt buyer may also provide an active email address to which these requests can be sent and through which information and documents can be delivered, if the parties agree.(d) (1) A debt buyer shall include with its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that provides:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt buyer] has the right to seek collection of the debt; (2) the debt balance, including an explanation of any interest charges and additional fees; (3) the date of default or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the charge-off creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the charge-off creditors or debt buyers records prior to the sale of the debt, as appropriate; and (6) the names of all persons or entities that have purchased the debt. You may also request from us a copy of the contract or other document evidencing your agreement to the debt.A request for these records may be addressed to: [insert debt buyers active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is not past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it. If you do not pay the debt, [insert name of debt buyer] may [continue to] report it to the credit reporting agencies as unpaid for as long as the law permits this reporting.(3) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it, and we will not report it to any credit reporting agency.(e) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt buyer in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by subdivision (d) shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five working days.(f) In the event of a conflict between the requirements of subdivision (d) and federal law, so that it is impracticable to comply with both, the requirements of federal law shall prevail.
1788.52. (a) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer possesses the following information:
(1) That the debt buyer is the sole owner of the debt at issue or has authority to assert the rights of all owners of the debt.
(2) The debt balance at charge off and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all post-charge-off interest and fees, if any, imposed by the charge-off creditor or any subsequent purchasers of the debt. This paragraph shall not be deemed to require a specific itemization, but the explanation shall identify separately the charge-off balance, the total of any post-charge-off interest, and the total of any post-charge-off fees.
(3) The date of default or the date of the last payment.
(4) The name and an address of the charge-off creditor at the time of charge off, and the charge-off creditors account number associated with the debt. The charge-off creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the charge-off creditor.
(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the charge-off creditors records prior to the sale of the debt. If the debt was sold prior to January 1, 2014, the name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the debt owners records on December 31, 2013, shall be sufficient.
(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities that purchased the debt after charge off, including the debt buyer making the written statement. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each such purchaser.
(7) The California license number of the debt buyer.
(8) A copy of the notice sent to the debtor pursuant to Section 1788.53.
(b) A debt buyer shall not make any written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a consumer debt unless the debt buyer has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt. If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt buyer shall have access to a copy of a document provided to the debtor while the account was active, demonstrating that the debt was incurred by the debtor. For a revolving credit account, the most recent monthly statement recording a purchase transaction, last payment, or balance transfer shall be deemed sufficient to satisfy this requirement.
(c) A debt buyer shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 15 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. If the debt buyer cannot provide the information or documents within 15 calendar days, the debt buyer shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt buyer provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). Except as provided otherwise in this title, the request by the debtor shall be consistent with the validation requirements contained in Section 1692g of Title 15 of the United States Code. A debt buyer shall provide all debtors with whom it has contact an active postal address to which these requests can be sent. A debt buyer may also provide an active email address to which these requests can be sent and through which information and documents can be delivered, if the parties agree.
(d) (1) A debt buyer shall include with its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that provides:
You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt buyer] has the right to seek collection of the debt; (2) the debt balance, including an explanation of any interest charges and additional fees; (3) the date of default or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the charge-off creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the charge-off creditors or debt buyers records prior to the sale of the debt, as appropriate; and (6) the names of all persons or entities that have purchased the debt. You may also request from us a copy of the contract or other document evidencing your agreement to the debt.
A request for these records may be addressed to: [insert debt buyers active mailing address and email address, if applicable].
(2) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is not past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):
The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it. If you do not pay the debt, [insert name of debt buyer] may [continue to] report it to the credit reporting agencies as unpaid for as long as the law permits this reporting.
(3) When collecting on a time-barred debt where the debt is past the date for obsolescence provided for in Section 605(a) of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681c):
The law limits how long you can be sued on a debt. Because of the age of your debt, we will not sue you for it, and we will not report it to any credit reporting agency.
(e) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt buyer in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by subdivision (d) shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five working days.
(f) In the event of a conflict between the requirements of subdivision (d) and federal law, so that it is impracticable to comply with both, the requirements of federal law shall prevail.
SEC. 3. Section 1788.53 is added to the Civil Code, to read:1788.53. (a) A creditor shall not sell a consumer debt or assign to a third party the right to collect payments on a consumer debt unless the creditor has provided a notice to the debtor at least 30 days before selling the debt that contains all of the following information:(1) The dollar amount of the outstanding debt.(2) The name of the party to whom the debt will be sold.(b) A creditor shall provide the notice described in subdivision (a) to a purchaser of the debt that is the subject of that notice.
SEC. 3. Section 1788.53 is added to the Civil Code, to read:
### SEC. 3.
1788.53. (a) A creditor shall not sell a consumer debt or assign to a third party the right to collect payments on a consumer debt unless the creditor has provided a notice to the debtor at least 30 days before selling the debt that contains all of the following information:(1) The dollar amount of the outstanding debt.(2) The name of the party to whom the debt will be sold.(b) A creditor shall provide the notice described in subdivision (a) to a purchaser of the debt that is the subject of that notice.
1788.53. (a) A creditor shall not sell a consumer debt or assign to a third party the right to collect payments on a consumer debt unless the creditor has provided a notice to the debtor at least 30 days before selling the debt that contains all of the following information:(1) The dollar amount of the outstanding debt.(2) The name of the party to whom the debt will be sold.(b) A creditor shall provide the notice described in subdivision (a) to a purchaser of the debt that is the subject of that notice.
1788.53. (a) A creditor shall not sell a consumer debt or assign to a third party the right to collect payments on a consumer debt unless the creditor has provided a notice to the debtor at least 30 days before selling the debt that contains all of the following information:(1) The dollar amount of the outstanding debt.(2) The name of the party to whom the debt will be sold.(b) A creditor shall provide the notice described in subdivision (a) to a purchaser of the debt that is the subject of that notice.
1788.53. (a) A creditor shall not sell a consumer debt or assign to a third party the right to collect payments on a consumer debt unless the creditor has provided a notice to the debtor at least 30 days before selling the debt that contains all of the following information:
(1) The dollar amount of the outstanding debt.
(2) The name of the party to whom the debt will be sold.
(b) A creditor shall provide the notice described in subdivision (a) to a purchaser of the debt that is the subject of that notice.