HB 4658 Summary

• Prohibits regulated debt collectors from communicating with debtors in misleading or deceptive ways, including using attorney or credit bureau stationery without proper disclosure.

• Bans the use of forms or documents that simulate judicial process, government seals, or official documents that could deceive debtors into believing collection efforts have legal authority.

• Prohibits false or misleading statements about legal actions, debtor rights, arrest/imprisonment threats, property seizure, or claims that debts have been sold to innocent purchasers.

• Restricts contact methods including calls at inconvenient times (outside 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. unless debtor agrees otherwise), contact with debtor's employer without written authorization, and communications via postcard.

• Establishes criminal penalties of up to $2,500 in fines and/or up to 1 year imprisonment for violations, effective 90 days after enactment.