California 2021-2022 Regular Session

California Senate Bill SB531 Compare Versions

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1-Senate Bill No. 531 CHAPTER 455 An act to add Section 1788.14.5 to the Civil Code, relating to consumer debt. [ Approved by Governor October 04, 2021. Filed with Secretary of State October 04, 2021. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 531, Wieckowski. Consumer debt.Existing law, the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, regulates the collection of a consumer debt, as defined, by a debt collector. Existing law defines debt collector to mean a person who, in the ordinary course of business engages in debt collection, including any person who composes and sells, or offers to compose and sell, forms, letters, and other collection media used or intended to be used for debt collection.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, and requires the debt buyer to include specified information in the written statement to the debtor. 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 require a debt collector to which delinquent debt, as defined and specified, has been assigned to provide to the debtor, upon the debtors request, a written statement that includes certain information, including the date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment, within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt, as specified. The bill would require a debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned to include in its first written communication with the debtor a specified notice, and would require a debt collector to provide a debtor an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information. The bill would provide that a debt buyer who complies with the written statement requirements under the Debt Collection Licensing Act is deemed to comply with this new requirement on a debt collector, to which a delinquent debt has been assigned, to provide a written statement to the debtor upon the debtors request. The bill would prohibit a debt collector to which a delinquent debt has been assigned from making a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent consumer debt, except if the debt collector has access to specified information, as provided. The bill would provide that these provisions become operative on July 1, 2022.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 1788.14.5 is added to the Civil Code, to read:1788.14.5. (a) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide to the debtor, upon the debtors written request, a statement that includes all of the following information pursuant to subdivision (c):(1) That the debt collector has authority to assert the rights of the creditor to collect the debt.(2) (A) The debt balance and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all interest and fees, if any, imposed by the creditor or any subsequent entities to which the debt was assigned.(B) The explanation required by subparagraph (A) shall identify separately the balance, the total of any interest, and the total of any fees.(3) The date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the creditor and the creditors account number associated with the debt. The creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the creditors records before the assignment of the debt to the debt collector.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt was assigned. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each assignee.(7) The California license number of the debt collector.(b) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall not make a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent debt unless the debt collector has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt, except in the following circumstances:(1) If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt collector 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.(2) 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 the requirements of this subparagraph.(c) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. (2) If the debt collector cannot provide the information or documents within 30 calendar days, the debt collector shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt collector provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). (d) (1) A debt collector shall provide a debtor with whom it has contact an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information described in this section. (2) A debt collector 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.(e) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall include in its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that contains the following statement:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt collector] 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 the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the creditors records prior to assignment of the debt; and (6) the names of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt has been assigned, if applicable. 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 collectors active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt collector in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by this subdivision shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five business days.(f) (1) A debt buyer that complies with the requirements of Section 1788.52 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, debt buyer shall have the same meaning as in Section 1788.50.(g) For the purposes of this section, the term delinquent debt means a consumer debt, other than a mortgage debt, that is past due at least 90 days and has not been charged off.(h) This section shall apply to all delinquent debt sold or assigned on or after July 1, 2022.(i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2022.
1+Enrolled September 03, 2021 Passed IN Senate September 01, 2021 Passed IN Assembly August 30, 2021 Amended IN Assembly July 08, 2021 Amended IN Assembly June 29, 2021 Amended IN Assembly June 21, 2021 Amended IN Senate April 29, 2021 Amended IN Senate April 19, 2021 Amended IN Senate April 08, 2021 Amended IN Senate March 24, 2021 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 531Introduced by Senator WieckowskiFebruary 17, 2021 An act to add Section 1788.14.5 to the Civil Code, relating to consumer debt. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 531, Wieckowski. Consumer debt.Existing law, the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, regulates the collection of a consumer debt, as defined, by a debt collector. Existing law defines debt collector to mean a person who, in the ordinary course of business engages in debt collection, including any person who composes and sells, or offers to compose and sell, forms, letters, and other collection media used or intended to be used for debt collection.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, and requires the debt buyer to include specified information in the written statement to the debtor. 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 require a debt collector to which delinquent debt, as defined and specified, has been assigned to provide to the debtor, upon the debtors request, a written statement that includes certain information, including the date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment, within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt, as specified. The bill would require a debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned to include in its first written communication with the debtor a specified notice, and would require a debt collector to provide a debtor an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information. The bill would provide that a debt buyer who complies with the written statement requirements under the Debt Collection Licensing Act is deemed to comply with this new requirement on a debt collector, to which a delinquent debt has been assigned, to provide a written statement to the debtor upon the debtors request. The bill would prohibit a debt collector to which a delinquent debt has been assigned from making a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent consumer debt, except if the debt collector has access to specified information, as provided. The bill would provide that these provisions become operative on July 1, 2022.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 1788.14.5 is added to the Civil Code, to read:1788.14.5. (a) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide to the debtor, upon the debtors written request, a statement that includes all of the following information pursuant to subdivision (c):(1) That the debt collector has authority to assert the rights of the creditor to collect the debt.(2) (A) The debt balance and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all interest and fees, if any, imposed by the creditor or any subsequent entities to which the debt was assigned.(B) The explanation required by subparagraph (A) shall identify separately the balance, the total of any interest, and the total of any fees.(3) The date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the creditor and the creditors account number associated with the debt. The creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the creditors records before the assignment of the debt to the debt collector.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt was assigned. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each assignee.(7) The California license number of the debt collector.(b) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall not make a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent debt unless the debt collector has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt, except in the following circumstances:(1) If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt collector 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.(2) 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 the requirements of this subparagraph.(c) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. (2) If the debt collector cannot provide the information or documents within 30 calendar days, the debt collector shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt collector provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). (d) (1) A debt collector shall provide a debtor with whom it has contact an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information described in this section. (2) A debt collector 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.(e) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall include in its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that contains the following statement:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt collector] 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 the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the creditors records prior to assignment of the debt; and (6) the names of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt has been assigned, if applicable. 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 collectors active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt collector in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by this subdivision shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five business days.(f) (1) A debt buyer that complies with the requirements of Section 1788.52 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, debt buyer shall have the same meaning as in Section 1788.50.(g) For the purposes of this section, the term delinquent debt means a consumer debt, other than a mortgage debt, that is past due at least 90 days and has not been charged off.(h) This section shall apply to all delinquent debt sold or assigned on or after July 1, 2022.(i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2022.
22
3- Senate Bill No. 531 CHAPTER 455 An act to add Section 1788.14.5 to the Civil Code, relating to consumer debt. [ Approved by Governor October 04, 2021. Filed with Secretary of State October 04, 2021. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 531, Wieckowski. Consumer debt.Existing law, the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, regulates the collection of a consumer debt, as defined, by a debt collector. Existing law defines debt collector to mean a person who, in the ordinary course of business engages in debt collection, including any person who composes and sells, or offers to compose and sell, forms, letters, and other collection media used or intended to be used for debt collection.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, and requires the debt buyer to include specified information in the written statement to the debtor. 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 require a debt collector to which delinquent debt, as defined and specified, has been assigned to provide to the debtor, upon the debtors request, a written statement that includes certain information, including the date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment, within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt, as specified. The bill would require a debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned to include in its first written communication with the debtor a specified notice, and would require a debt collector to provide a debtor an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information. The bill would provide that a debt buyer who complies with the written statement requirements under the Debt Collection Licensing Act is deemed to comply with this new requirement on a debt collector, to which a delinquent debt has been assigned, to provide a written statement to the debtor upon the debtors request. The bill would prohibit a debt collector to which a delinquent debt has been assigned from making a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent consumer debt, except if the debt collector has access to specified information, as provided. The bill would provide that these provisions become operative on July 1, 2022.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
3+ Enrolled September 03, 2021 Passed IN Senate September 01, 2021 Passed IN Assembly August 30, 2021 Amended IN Assembly July 08, 2021 Amended IN Assembly June 29, 2021 Amended IN Assembly June 21, 2021 Amended IN Senate April 29, 2021 Amended IN Senate April 19, 2021 Amended IN Senate April 08, 2021 Amended IN Senate March 24, 2021 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 531Introduced by Senator WieckowskiFebruary 17, 2021 An act to add Section 1788.14.5 to the Civil Code, relating to consumer debt. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 531, Wieckowski. Consumer debt.Existing law, the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, regulates the collection of a consumer debt, as defined, by a debt collector. Existing law defines debt collector to mean a person who, in the ordinary course of business engages in debt collection, including any person who composes and sells, or offers to compose and sell, forms, letters, and other collection media used or intended to be used for debt collection.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, and requires the debt buyer to include specified information in the written statement to the debtor. 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 require a debt collector to which delinquent debt, as defined and specified, has been assigned to provide to the debtor, upon the debtors request, a written statement that includes certain information, including the date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment, within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt, as specified. The bill would require a debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned to include in its first written communication with the debtor a specified notice, and would require a debt collector to provide a debtor an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information. The bill would provide that a debt buyer who complies with the written statement requirements under the Debt Collection Licensing Act is deemed to comply with this new requirement on a debt collector, to which a delinquent debt has been assigned, to provide a written statement to the debtor upon the debtors request. The bill would prohibit a debt collector to which a delinquent debt has been assigned from making a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent consumer debt, except if the debt collector has access to specified information, as provided. The bill would provide that these provisions become operative on July 1, 2022.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
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5- Senate Bill No. 531 CHAPTER 455
5+ Enrolled September 03, 2021 Passed IN Senate September 01, 2021 Passed IN Assembly August 30, 2021 Amended IN Assembly July 08, 2021 Amended IN Assembly June 29, 2021 Amended IN Assembly June 21, 2021 Amended IN Senate April 29, 2021 Amended IN Senate April 19, 2021 Amended IN Senate April 08, 2021 Amended IN Senate March 24, 2021
66
7- Senate Bill No. 531
7+Enrolled September 03, 2021
8+Passed IN Senate September 01, 2021
9+Passed IN Assembly August 30, 2021
10+Amended IN Assembly July 08, 2021
11+Amended IN Assembly June 29, 2021
12+Amended IN Assembly June 21, 2021
13+Amended IN Senate April 29, 2021
14+Amended IN Senate April 19, 2021
15+Amended IN Senate April 08, 2021
16+Amended IN Senate March 24, 2021
817
9- CHAPTER 455
18+ CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION
19+
20+ Senate Bill
21+
22+No. 531
23+
24+Introduced by Senator WieckowskiFebruary 17, 2021
25+
26+Introduced by Senator Wieckowski
27+February 17, 2021
1028
1129 An act to add Section 1788.14.5 to the Civil Code, relating to consumer debt.
12-
13- [ Approved by Governor October 04, 2021. Filed with Secretary of State October 04, 2021. ]
1430
1531 LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
1632
1733 ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
1834
1935 SB 531, Wieckowski. Consumer debt.
2036
2137 Existing law, the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, regulates the collection of a consumer debt, as defined, by a debt collector. Existing law defines debt collector to mean a person who, in the ordinary course of business engages in debt collection, including any person who composes and sells, or offers to compose and sell, forms, letters, and other collection media used or intended to be used for debt collection.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, and requires the debt buyer to include specified information in the written statement to the debtor. 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 require a debt collector to which delinquent debt, as defined and specified, has been assigned to provide to the debtor, upon the debtors request, a written statement that includes certain information, including the date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment, within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt, as specified. The bill would require a debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned to include in its first written communication with the debtor a specified notice, and would require a debt collector to provide a debtor an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information. The bill would provide that a debt buyer who complies with the written statement requirements under the Debt Collection Licensing Act is deemed to comply with this new requirement on a debt collector, to which a delinquent debt has been assigned, to provide a written statement to the debtor upon the debtors request. The bill would prohibit a debt collector to which a delinquent debt has been assigned from making a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent consumer debt, except if the debt collector has access to specified information, as provided. The bill would provide that these provisions become operative on July 1, 2022.
2238
2339 Existing law, the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, regulates the collection of a consumer debt, as defined, by a debt collector. Existing law defines debt collector to mean a person who, in the ordinary course of business engages in debt collection, including any person who composes and sells, or offers to compose and sell, forms, letters, and other collection media used or intended to be used for debt collection.
2440
2541 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, and requires the debt buyer to include specified information in the written statement to the debtor. 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.
2642
2743 This bill would require a debt collector to which delinquent debt, as defined and specified, has been assigned to provide to the debtor, upon the debtors request, a written statement that includes certain information, including the date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment, within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt, as specified. The bill would require a debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned to include in its first written communication with the debtor a specified notice, and would require a debt collector to provide a debtor an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information. The bill would provide that a debt buyer who complies with the written statement requirements under the Debt Collection Licensing Act is deemed to comply with this new requirement on a debt collector, to which a delinquent debt has been assigned, to provide a written statement to the debtor upon the debtors request. The bill would prohibit a debt collector to which a delinquent debt has been assigned from making a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent consumer debt, except if the debt collector has access to specified information, as provided. The bill would provide that these provisions become operative on July 1, 2022.
2844
2945 ## Digest Key
3046
3147 ## Bill Text
3248
3349 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 1788.14.5 is added to the Civil Code, to read:1788.14.5. (a) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide to the debtor, upon the debtors written request, a statement that includes all of the following information pursuant to subdivision (c):(1) That the debt collector has authority to assert the rights of the creditor to collect the debt.(2) (A) The debt balance and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all interest and fees, if any, imposed by the creditor or any subsequent entities to which the debt was assigned.(B) The explanation required by subparagraph (A) shall identify separately the balance, the total of any interest, and the total of any fees.(3) The date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the creditor and the creditors account number associated with the debt. The creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the creditors records before the assignment of the debt to the debt collector.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt was assigned. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each assignee.(7) The California license number of the debt collector.(b) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall not make a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent debt unless the debt collector has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt, except in the following circumstances:(1) If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt collector 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.(2) 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 the requirements of this subparagraph.(c) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. (2) If the debt collector cannot provide the information or documents within 30 calendar days, the debt collector shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt collector provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). (d) (1) A debt collector shall provide a debtor with whom it has contact an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information described in this section. (2) A debt collector 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.(e) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall include in its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that contains the following statement:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt collector] 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 the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the creditors records prior to assignment of the debt; and (6) the names of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt has been assigned, if applicable. 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 collectors active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt collector in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by this subdivision shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five business days.(f) (1) A debt buyer that complies with the requirements of Section 1788.52 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, debt buyer shall have the same meaning as in Section 1788.50.(g) For the purposes of this section, the term delinquent debt means a consumer debt, other than a mortgage debt, that is past due at least 90 days and has not been charged off.(h) This section shall apply to all delinquent debt sold or assigned on or after July 1, 2022.(i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2022.
3450
3551 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
3652
3753 ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
3854
3955 SECTION 1. Section 1788.14.5 is added to the Civil Code, to read:1788.14.5. (a) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide to the debtor, upon the debtors written request, a statement that includes all of the following information pursuant to subdivision (c):(1) That the debt collector has authority to assert the rights of the creditor to collect the debt.(2) (A) The debt balance and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all interest and fees, if any, imposed by the creditor or any subsequent entities to which the debt was assigned.(B) The explanation required by subparagraph (A) shall identify separately the balance, the total of any interest, and the total of any fees.(3) The date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the creditor and the creditors account number associated with the debt. The creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the creditors records before the assignment of the debt to the debt collector.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt was assigned. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each assignee.(7) The California license number of the debt collector.(b) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall not make a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent debt unless the debt collector has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt, except in the following circumstances:(1) If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt collector 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.(2) 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 the requirements of this subparagraph.(c) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. (2) If the debt collector cannot provide the information or documents within 30 calendar days, the debt collector shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt collector provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). (d) (1) A debt collector shall provide a debtor with whom it has contact an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information described in this section. (2) A debt collector 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.(e) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall include in its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that contains the following statement:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt collector] 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 the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the creditors records prior to assignment of the debt; and (6) the names of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt has been assigned, if applicable. 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 collectors active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt collector in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by this subdivision shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five business days.(f) (1) A debt buyer that complies with the requirements of Section 1788.52 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, debt buyer shall have the same meaning as in Section 1788.50.(g) For the purposes of this section, the term delinquent debt means a consumer debt, other than a mortgage debt, that is past due at least 90 days and has not been charged off.(h) This section shall apply to all delinquent debt sold or assigned on or after July 1, 2022.(i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2022.
4056
4157 SECTION 1. Section 1788.14.5 is added to the Civil Code, to read:
4258
4359 ### SECTION 1.
4460
4561 1788.14.5. (a) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide to the debtor, upon the debtors written request, a statement that includes all of the following information pursuant to subdivision (c):(1) That the debt collector has authority to assert the rights of the creditor to collect the debt.(2) (A) The debt balance and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all interest and fees, if any, imposed by the creditor or any subsequent entities to which the debt was assigned.(B) The explanation required by subparagraph (A) shall identify separately the balance, the total of any interest, and the total of any fees.(3) The date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the creditor and the creditors account number associated with the debt. The creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the creditors records before the assignment of the debt to the debt collector.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt was assigned. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each assignee.(7) The California license number of the debt collector.(b) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall not make a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent debt unless the debt collector has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt, except in the following circumstances:(1) If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt collector 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.(2) 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 the requirements of this subparagraph.(c) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. (2) If the debt collector cannot provide the information or documents within 30 calendar days, the debt collector shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt collector provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). (d) (1) A debt collector shall provide a debtor with whom it has contact an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information described in this section. (2) A debt collector 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.(e) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall include in its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that contains the following statement:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt collector] 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 the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the creditors records prior to assignment of the debt; and (6) the names of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt has been assigned, if applicable. 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 collectors active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt collector in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by this subdivision shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five business days.(f) (1) A debt buyer that complies with the requirements of Section 1788.52 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, debt buyer shall have the same meaning as in Section 1788.50.(g) For the purposes of this section, the term delinquent debt means a consumer debt, other than a mortgage debt, that is past due at least 90 days and has not been charged off.(h) This section shall apply to all delinquent debt sold or assigned on or after July 1, 2022.(i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2022.
4662
4763 1788.14.5. (a) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide to the debtor, upon the debtors written request, a statement that includes all of the following information pursuant to subdivision (c):(1) That the debt collector has authority to assert the rights of the creditor to collect the debt.(2) (A) The debt balance and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all interest and fees, if any, imposed by the creditor or any subsequent entities to which the debt was assigned.(B) The explanation required by subparagraph (A) shall identify separately the balance, the total of any interest, and the total of any fees.(3) The date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the creditor and the creditors account number associated with the debt. The creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the creditors records before the assignment of the debt to the debt collector.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt was assigned. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each assignee.(7) The California license number of the debt collector.(b) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall not make a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent debt unless the debt collector has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt, except in the following circumstances:(1) If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt collector 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.(2) 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 the requirements of this subparagraph.(c) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. (2) If the debt collector cannot provide the information or documents within 30 calendar days, the debt collector shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt collector provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). (d) (1) A debt collector shall provide a debtor with whom it has contact an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information described in this section. (2) A debt collector 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.(e) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall include in its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that contains the following statement:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt collector] 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 the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the creditors records prior to assignment of the debt; and (6) the names of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt has been assigned, if applicable. 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 collectors active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt collector in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by this subdivision shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five business days.(f) (1) A debt buyer that complies with the requirements of Section 1788.52 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, debt buyer shall have the same meaning as in Section 1788.50.(g) For the purposes of this section, the term delinquent debt means a consumer debt, other than a mortgage debt, that is past due at least 90 days and has not been charged off.(h) This section shall apply to all delinquent debt sold or assigned on or after July 1, 2022.(i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2022.
4864
4965 1788.14.5. (a) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide to the debtor, upon the debtors written request, a statement that includes all of the following information pursuant to subdivision (c):(1) That the debt collector has authority to assert the rights of the creditor to collect the debt.(2) (A) The debt balance and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all interest and fees, if any, imposed by the creditor or any subsequent entities to which the debt was assigned.(B) The explanation required by subparagraph (A) shall identify separately the balance, the total of any interest, and the total of any fees.(3) The date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment.(4) The name and an address of the creditor and the creditors account number associated with the debt. The creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the creditor.(5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the creditors records before the assignment of the debt to the debt collector.(6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt was assigned. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each assignee.(7) The California license number of the debt collector.(b) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall not make a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent debt unless the debt collector has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt, except in the following circumstances:(1) If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt collector 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.(2) 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 the requirements of this subparagraph.(c) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt. (2) If the debt collector cannot provide the information or documents within 30 calendar days, the debt collector shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt collector provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b). (d) (1) A debt collector shall provide a debtor with whom it has contact an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information described in this section. (2) A debt collector 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.(e) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall include in its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that contains the following statement:You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt collector] 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 the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the creditors records prior to assignment of the debt; and (6) the names of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt has been assigned, if applicable. 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 collectors active mailing address and email address, if applicable].(2) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt collector in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by this subdivision shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five business days.(f) (1) A debt buyer that complies with the requirements of Section 1788.52 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.(2) For purposes of this subdivision, debt buyer shall have the same meaning as in Section 1788.50.(g) For the purposes of this section, the term delinquent debt means a consumer debt, other than a mortgage debt, that is past due at least 90 days and has not been charged off.(h) This section shall apply to all delinquent debt sold or assigned on or after July 1, 2022.(i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2022.
5066
5167
5268
5369 1788.14.5. (a) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide to the debtor, upon the debtors written request, a statement that includes all of the following information pursuant to subdivision (c):
5470
5571 (1) That the debt collector has authority to assert the rights of the creditor to collect the debt.
5672
5773 (2) (A) The debt balance and an explanation of the amount, nature, and reason for all interest and fees, if any, imposed by the creditor or any subsequent entities to which the debt was assigned.
5874
5975 (B) The explanation required by subparagraph (A) shall identify separately the balance, the total of any interest, and the total of any fees.
6076
6177 (3) The date the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment.
6278
6379 (4) The name and an address of the creditor and the creditors account number associated with the debt. The creditors name and address shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify the creditor.
6480
6581 (5) The name and last known address of the debtor as they appeared in the creditors records before the assignment of the debt to the debt collector.
6682
6783 (6) The names and addresses of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt was assigned. The names and addresses shall be in sufficient form so as to reasonably identify each assignee.
6884
6985 (7) The California license number of the debt collector.
7086
7187 (b) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall not make a written statement to a debtor in an attempt to collect a delinquent debt unless the debt collector has access to a copy of a contract or other document evidencing the debtors agreement to the debt, except in the following circumstances:
7288
7389 (1) If the claim is based on debt for which no signed contract or agreement exists, the debt collector 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.
7490
7591 (2) 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 the requirements of this subparagraph.
7692
7793 (c) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall provide the information or documents identified in subdivisions (a) and (b) to the debtor without charge within 30 calendar days of receipt of a debtors written request for information regarding the debt or proof of the debt.
7894
7995 (2) If the debt collector cannot provide the information or documents within 30 calendar days, the debt collector shall cease all collection of the debt until the debt collector provides the debtor the information or documents described in subdivisions (a) and (b).
8096
8197 (d) (1) A debt collector shall provide a debtor with whom it has contact an active postal address to which a debtor may send a request for the information described in this section.
8298
8399 (2) A debt collector 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.
84100
85101 (e) (1) A debt collector to which delinquent debt has been assigned shall include in its first written communication with the debtor in no smaller than 12-point type, a separate prominent notice that contains the following statement:
86102
87103 You may request records showing the following: (1) that [insert name of debt collector] 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 the debt became delinquent or the date of the last payment; (4) the name of the creditor and the account number associated with the debt; (5) the name and last known address of the debtor as it appeared in the creditors records prior to assignment of the debt; and (6) the names of all persons or entities other than the debt collector to which the debt has been assigned, if applicable. You may also request from us a copy of the contract or other document evidencing your agreement to the debt.
88104
89105 A request for these records may be addressed to: [insert debt collectors active mailing address and email address, if applicable].
90106
91107 (2) If a language other than English is principally used by the debt collector in the initial oral contact with the debtor, the notice required by this subdivision shall be provided to the debtor in that language within five business days.
92108
93109 (f) (1) A debt buyer that complies with the requirements of Section 1788.52 shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.
94110
95111 (2) For purposes of this subdivision, debt buyer shall have the same meaning as in Section 1788.50.
96112
97113 (g) For the purposes of this section, the term delinquent debt means a consumer debt, other than a mortgage debt, that is past due at least 90 days and has not been charged off.
98114
99115 (h) This section shall apply to all delinquent debt sold or assigned on or after July 1, 2022.
100116
101117 (i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2022.