CFPB to Provide Additional Extension of Comment Period for Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Time Barred Debt
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) announced today that it will provide an additional 60 days for the public to comment on its Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on time-barred debt disclosures. The extension is intended to allow all interested parties with additional time to comment on the rulemaking as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline was June 5, 2020; the comment period will now close on August 4, 2020.
In the Supplemental NPRM regarding the collection of time-barred debt, the Bureau proposes to prohibit collectors from using non-litigation means (such as calls) to collect on time-barred debt unless collectors disclose to consumers during the initial contact and on any required validation notice that the debt is time-barred. Consumer research conducted by the Bureau found that a time-barred debt disclosure helps consumers understand that they cannot be sued if they do not pay. That can help consumers make better informed decisions whether to pay the debt or not.
The Supplemental NPRM proposes model language and forms that debt collectors could use to comply with the proposed disclosure requirements.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a 21st century agency that implements and enforces Federal consumer financial law and ensures that markets for consumer financial products are fair, transparent, and competitive. For more information, visit www.consumerfinance.gov.