To establish an Office of Fair Lending Testing to test for compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, to strengthen the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, to ensure that persons injured by discriminatory practices, including organizations that have diverted resources to address discrimination and whose mission has been frustrated by illegal acts, can seek relief under such Act and to provide for criminal penalties for violating such Act, and for other purposes.

1/8/2025, 1:39 PM

Summary of Bill HR 166

Bill 119 hr 166, also known as the Fair Lending Testing Act, aims to establish an Office of Fair Lending Testing to ensure compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. This office will be responsible for testing financial institutions to ensure they are not engaging in discriminatory practices when it comes to lending.

The bill also seeks to strengthen the Equal Credit Opportunity Act by providing more avenues for individuals and organizations who have been harmed by discriminatory practices to seek relief. This includes organizations that have had to divert resources to address discrimination and whose missions have been hindered by illegal acts.

Additionally, the bill proposes criminal penalties for those who violate the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, in order to deter discriminatory practices in the lending industry. Overall, the Fair Lending Testing Act aims to promote fair lending practices and ensure that all individuals have equal access to credit opportunities, regardless of their race, gender, or other protected characteristics.

Congressional Summary of HR 166

Fair Lending for All Act

This bill adds classes of individuals protected under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

With respect to credit transactions, the bill adds sexual orientation, gender identity, and an applicant's location based on zip code or census tract as classes protected against discrimination. (Currently, discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because an applicant receives public assistance.)

The bill establishes criminal penalties for violations of prohibited credit discrimination.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is required to review loan applications for compliance with specified consumer laws and to establish an Office of Fair Lending Testing.

Current Status of Bill HR 166

Bill HR 166 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 3, 2025. Bill HR 166 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 3, 2025.  Bill HR 166's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. as of January 3, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 166

Total Number of Sponsors
5
Democrat Sponsors
5
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 166

Primary Policy Focus


Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 166

To establish an Office of Fair Lending Testing to test for compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, to strengthen the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, to ensure that persons injured by discriminatory practices, including organizations that have diverted resources to address discrimination and whose mission has been frustrated by illegal acts, can seek relief under such Act and to provide for criminal penalties for violating such Act, and for other purposes.To establish an Office of Fair Lending Testing to test for compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, to strengthen the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, to ensure that persons injured by discriminatory practices, including organizations that have diverted resources to address discrimination and whose mission has been frustrated by illegal acts, can seek relief under such Act and to provide for criminal penalties for violating such Act, and for other purposes.
Start holding our government accountable!

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 166

Latest Bills

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions".
Bill HJRES 35March 29, 2025
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers".
Bill HJRES 75March 29, 2025
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers".
Bill HJRES 24March 29, 2025
No 340B Savings for Transgender Care Act
Bill HR 2197March 29, 2025
Major Richard Star Act
Bill HR 2102March 29, 2025
Ending China’s Unfair Advantage Act of 2025
Bill HR 2115March 29, 2025
IMPACT Act 2.0
Bill HR 2122March 29, 2025
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act
Bill HR 2251March 29, 2025
To amend title 14, United States Code, to require the retention of certain enlisted members of the Coast Guard who have completed 18 or more, but less than 20, years of service, and for other purposes.
Bill HR 2200March 29, 2025
Feed Hungry Veterans Act of 2025
Bill HR 2195March 29, 2025