HF1507 Summary

• Modifies consumer small loans and short-term loans during COVID-19 public health emergency to extend repayment to 12 months with capped interest, fees, and penalties; violations are void and unenforceable with lender liability up to $500 plus attorney fees.

• Appropriates $50,000,000 for small business emergency loans available to any business demonstrating COVID-19 financial impact, with varying loan amounts ($15,000-$20,000) and forgiveness provisions (up to 100%) based on business size and community investment.

• Appropriates $15,000,000 for distance learning broadband access and $2,000,000 for telemedicine equipment grants to schools, health clinics, hospitals, and other providers to support COVID-19 response.

• Appropriates $100,000,000 for emergency housing assistance grants to prevent homelessness for households earning up to 300% of federal poverty guidelines with housing costs past due or coming due.

• Increases personal care assistant hourly limits from 275 to 310 hours per month, temporarily allows parents and spouses to provide and receive payment for personal care services during emergency, and increases personal care assistance rates by 15% with requirements that 80% go toward worker wages and benefits.