MA S735

Creates new Chapter 93M, the "Debt Collection Fairness Act," establishing consumer protections for personal, family, or household debt collection, excluding condominium fees, homeowner association charges, and residential mortgages

Limits wage garnishment to no more than 10% of gross weekly wages or amounts exceeding 65 times the minimum wage, whichever leaves the debtor with more income; allows debtors to claim additional hardship exemptions

Sets a 5-year statute of limitations on consumer debt collection actions and a 10-year limit on enforcing judgments (renewable once for 10 years); partial payments do not restart the limitations period

Prohibits imprisonment or jailing for failure to pay consumer debt; requires 30-day written notice before supplementary proceedings and a show cause hearing before issuing arrest warrants for missed court appearances

Caps post-judgment interest at 3% annually for judgments entered on or after January 1, 2025, and limits attorney's fees to 15% of the debt amount; violations constitute Chapter 93A consumer protection violations