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Stop Reckless Student Loan Actions Act of 2023

12/15/2023, 4:06 PM

Summary of Bill S 506

Bill 118 s 506, also known as the Stop Reckless Student Loan Actions Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to protect students from predatory and reckless actions by student loan servicers.

The bill aims to achieve this goal by implementing several key provisions. First, it requires student loan servicers to provide clear and accurate information to borrowers about their loans, including repayment options and interest rates. This is intended to prevent confusion and misinformation that can lead to financial hardship for borrowers.

Additionally, the bill prohibits student loan servicers from engaging in deceptive or abusive practices, such as charging excessive fees or misrepresenting loan terms. It also establishes a process for borrowers to file complaints against servicers who violate these rules, and requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to investigate and take action against such servicers. Overall, the Stop Reckless Student Loan Actions Act of 2023 is designed to protect students from unfair and harmful practices by student loan servicers, and to ensure that borrowers have access to accurate information and fair treatment when repaying their loans.

Congressional Summary of S 506

Stop Reckless Student Loan Actions Act of 2023

This bill limits executive authority to (1) suspend or defer federal student loan payments or interest accrual on such loans, and (2) cancel federal student loans.

Specifically, the bill prohibits the President or the Department of Education (ED) from suspending or deferring federal student loan payments or the accrual of interest on such loans for borrowers with annual household incomes over 400% of the federal poverty line.

Further, ED may only suspend or defer federal student loan payments or the accrual of interest for such loans for a total of 90 days after the declaration of a national emergency by the President. ED must submit recommendations to Congress on relief necessary for recipients of student financial-aid assistance.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the President or ED from cancelling the outstanding balances or portions of balances on student loans due to the COVID-19 national emergency or any other national emergency.

Executive or regulatory action to suspend or defer federal student loan payments or to cancel federal student loans shall be subject to congressional review.

The bill also revises the definition of affected individual for purposes of the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROES) Act of 2003 to exclude from relief under the act (1) an individual who resides or is employed in an area that is declared a disaster area in connection with a national emergency; or (2) an individual who suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of a war, military operation, or national emergency.

Current Status of Bill S 506

Bill S 506 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 16, 2023. Bill S 506 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on February 16, 2023.  Bill S 506's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S460) as of February 16, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 506

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
22
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
22
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 506

Primary Policy Focus

Education

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 506

Stop Reckless Student Loan Actions Act of 2023
Stop Reckless Student Loan Actions Act of 2023
A bill to amend the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 to strike the Secretary's unilateral authority during a national emergency, and for other purposes.

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