Bill > HB444

This bill establishes the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act, which sets new requirements for obtaining a default judgment in lawsuits seeking to collect consumer debts, defined as money owed for personal, family, or household purposes. To prevent a default judgment, the initial legal document filed to collect the debt (called a "complaint" or "warrant in debt") must include specific details about the debt, such as the creditor's name, the last four digits of the account number, the outstanding balance, and the amount sought in the judgment. Crucially, the complaint must also be accompanied by a separate, clear notice to the consumer warning them that a default judgment may be entered if they don't respond to the lawsuit or appear in court, explaining the serious consequences of such a judgment, including potential property seizure and its impact on credit, employment, and housing, and providing information on how to find legal assistance. The bill also mandates that the Office of the Executive Secretary create a standardized form for this consumer notice, and its provisions will take effect on July 1, 2027.