Oregon Enacts Law Restricting Medical Debt on Credit Reports 

Oregon has passed new legislation aimed at limiting the impact of medical debt on consumer credit reports. Governor Tina Kotek recently signed SB 605 A, a law that will prohibit consumer reporting agencies from including known medical debt on credit reports. Additionally, the law will bar health care providers from reporting the existence or amount of medical debt to credit reporting agencies.  Set to take effect on January 1, 2026, […]

NYC Comptroller Pushes for Stronger Consumer Financial Protections in New Report 

As New York’s 2025 legislative session wraps up, a new report from New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is calling for expanded consumer financial protections across the state. The report, released in early June, urges both city and state leaders to respond to shifting federal regulations by reinforcing local consumer protection laws.  Legislative Developments in Albany  This year’s legislative session included a range of proposals aimed at strengthening protections for […]

FTC Permanently Shuts Down Phantom Debt Collection Scam 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a permanent ban on a fraudulent debt collection operation that deceived consumers into paying debts they didn’t actually owe. The scheme, which operated under several aliases but was primarily known as Blackstone Legal, used intimidation tactics and false claims to extract money from unsuspecting individuals.  According to the FTC, the scammers threatened consumers with fake lawsuits and damage to their credit scores if […]

Washington State Prepares for Upcoming Changes to Garnishment and Medical Debt Laws 

In May, Washington state enacted two notable laws affecting garnishment and medical debt reporting. While the legislation was signed earlier this year, the effective dates are approaching, and the details are now drawing attention from those involved in debt collection and financial services.  Garnishment Exemptions Set to Increase in 2025  On May 20, Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5651, marking a shift in how personal bank accounts are protected […]

The 17 Year Cicada Business Model? 

Living in Kentucky, you’re treated every 17 years to one of nature’s most bizarre and unforgettable spectacles—the grand invasion of the cicadas. It might seem like a stretch but trust me: this ties back to collections and our wildlife series.  Picture this: millions of red-eyed, two-inch bugs bursting from the ground like a sci-fi swarm, filling the air with an ear-splitting scream, dive-bombing your porch, and clinging to everything—including you. […]

Florida Updates Debt Collection Laws to Address Modern Communication

In an effort to modernize consumer debt collection practices, the Florida Legislature has passed new legislation that updates and clarifies existing rules—particularly to address how digital communication, such as email, fits into current regulations.  Adapting to Modern Communication Norms  Much of Florida’s debt collection law was originally written before email became a daily part of life. Until now, the statute focused heavily on telephone calls as the primary means of […]

Congressional Subcommittee to Examine Data Privacy in Financial Services 

The House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions is exploring data privacy issues in a hearing titled “Framework for the Future: Reviewing Data Privacy in Today’s Financial System.”  The session was held at 10 a.m. ET on June 5. You can watch a recording of the hearing here.  The hearing was led by Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) and Ranking Member Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.). Witnesses include:  Scott Talbott, […]

Congressional Budget Bill Targets Consumer Finance Watchdog Funding 

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a sweeping federal budget bill that could significantly reduce funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), marking a major shift in how the agency would be financed moving forward.  Nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the legislation proposes capping the CFPB’s annual funding at $249 million — a sharp reduction from the over $700 million it currently accesses from the Federal […]

Rate Yourself as a Client: Evaluating the Relationship 

I’ve often asked, “Who’s the client?”—usually when agency demands feel out of step with the power dynamic. But it’s worth flipping the lens now and then. Creditors, too, should pause to reflect: Are we doing our part to build and sustain a strong vendor relationship?  It’s easy to talk about contracts, controls, and performance metrics. But the reality is, agency relationships are more than checklists and compliance. They’re operational, strategic, […]

State AI Oversight Under Threat in Federal Budget Bill 

A proposed amendment to a federal budget reconciliation bill is raising alarms across the political and professional spectrum. Passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on May 13, the amendment would block states from enforcing any laws or regulations related to artificial intelligence for a full decade.  The controversial language reads: “[N]o state or political subdivision may enforce any law or regulation regulating artificial intelligence models, artificial intelligence systems, […]