Bill > S0169

This bill prohibits credit reporting agencies from including medical debt information on consumer credit reports, prevents creditors from filing executions or attachments against a person's primary residence for judgments related to medical debt, and provides a clear definition of medical debt. Specifically, the bill defines medical debt as an obligation to pay for healthcare services, products, or devices owed to a healthcare facility or professional. The bill amends several sections of Rhode Island law to accomplish these protections, including changes to laws governing credit reporting, executions, and property attachments. Under this legislation, any attempt to file an execution or attachment against a person's principal residence for a medical debt judgment would be prohibited, and such an action could be considered slander of title. The bill also specifies that no garnishment of wages can be issued for a judgment based on medical debt. These protections aim to reduce the financial burden and credit consequences faced by individuals with medical expenses, recognizing the potentially overwhelming nature of healthcare costs. The provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving businesses and legal systems time to prepare for the new requirements.

Business and Industry, Justice

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