Relief for Consumers During COVID–19 Act of 2020

Relief for Consumers During COVID-19 Act of 2020

This bill places restrictions on the collection of consumer debts during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period. Among other things, debt collectors may not during such a period

• enforce a security interest through a repossession or foreclosure,
• commence or continue litigation to collect a debt,
• terminate utility service,
• seize assets,
• commence or continue an eviction, or
• charge fees or apply a higher interest rate as a result of nonpayment.

After such a period, debt collectors must provide certain repayment options including extending the repayment period for debts.

Violations of these provisions are subject to civil enforcement.

The Federal Reserve Board must establish a facility to compensate financial institutions for losses caused by the suspension of payments.