Bill > HB801

This bill establishes the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act in Pennsylvania, which creates comprehensive new rules for how creditors can obtain default judgments against consumers in debt collection lawsuits. The legislation requires creditors to provide extremely detailed information in their complaints, including the consumer's contact information, account details, payment history, outstanding balance, and itemized breakdown of charges. Creditors must also attach documentation proving the debt's existence and their right to collect it. A key provision is the mandatory consumer notice, which must be served with the complaint and explicitly warn defendants about the potential consequences of a default judgment, such as property seizure, bank account attachment, and long-term impacts on employment, credit, and housing. The bill prohibits consumers from waiving these protections and applies to both secured and unsecured consumer debts, with some specific exceptions like government debt collection and property repossession actions. The act is designed to provide more transparency and protection for consumers in debt collection proceedings by ensuring they are fully informed about the potential consequences of not responding to a lawsuit and requiring creditors to provide comprehensive documentation to support their claims.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=801