Bill > S1731

Introduced Session

This bill establishes those practices of a creditor, in collecting payment of a debt, that are to be considered unfair, deceptive, and unreasonable. Among those practices are: (1) communications or threats of communications, or implications of the fact of debt or alleged debt to a person other than the person who may reasonably be expected to be liable for the debt; (2) harassing or embarrassing communication by the creditor to the alleged debtor, including, but not limited to, communication at an unreasonable hour, with unreasonable frequency, by threats of violence, by use of offensive language, or by threats of any action which the creditor in the usual course of business does not in fact take; and (3) communications with the alleged debtor using forms or other instruments that simulate the form or appearance of the judicial process. Among other practices considered in the bill to be unfair, deceptive, and unreasonable is the simulation of a law enforcement officer or agent of the government and attempts to join the debtor's social media network. Civil penalties in the bill include $2,500 for a first violation and $5,000 for any subsequent violation. Additionally, any person aggrieved by violation of this act may bring an action in Superior Court to recover damages.

Committee Categories

Paul Moriarty (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document