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Beat Bad Bureaucrats Act

3/1/2025, 5:53 AM

Summary of Bill HR 886

Bill 119 HR 886, also known as the "Protecting Victims of Identity Theft Act," aims to prevent the Small Business Administration (SBA) from garnishing Social Security benefits of individuals who have been victims of identity theft and have taken out covered loans. The bill specifically targets individuals who have had their identities stolen and used to fraudulently obtain loans through the SBA.

The bill seeks to provide protection for these victims by prohibiting the SBA from garnishing their Social Security benefits in order to repay these fraudulent loans. This measure is intended to alleviate the financial burden placed on these individuals as a result of identity theft and prevent further harm to their financial well-being.

In addition to prohibiting garnishment of Social Security benefits, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to protecting victims of identity theft. These additional purposes are not specified in the summary, but may include further measures to support and assist individuals who have been affected by identity theft in relation to SBA loans. Overall, Bill 119 HR 886 is focused on providing support and protection for individuals who have been victims of identity theft in relation to SBA loans. By preventing the garnishment of Social Security benefits for these individuals, the bill aims to alleviate financial hardship and ensure that victims of identity theft are not further victimized by the consequences of fraudulent loans.

Congressional Summary of HR 886

Beat Bad Bureaucrats Act

This bill prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from garnishing Social Security payments to victims of identity theft on account of certain delinquent SBA loans obtained fraudulently during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Specifically, the SBA may not garnish an individual’s Social Security payments related to a covered loan if (1) the individual’s name was used to fraudulently obtain the loan, and (2) the individual has reported the identity theft to the SBA. Under the bill, covered loans are Disaster Loans granted in response to COVID-19 between January 31, 2020, and December 31, 2021 (e.g., Economic Injury Disaster Loans) and loans granted under the Paycheck Protection Program. The prohibition on garnishment does not apply if the SBA determines that an individual is not a victim of identity theft. 

Further, the SBA must post instructions on how to report identity theft on its public website and include them in the written notice provided to delinquent borrowers before garnishing their pay. 

Current Status of Bill HR 886

Bill HR 886 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 31, 2025. Bill HR 886 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 31, 2025.  Bill HR 886's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of January 31, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 886

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
2
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 886

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 886

To prohibit the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from garnishing social security benefits with respect to certain named individuals of covered loans who are victims of identity theft, and for other purposes.
To prohibit the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from garnishing social security benefits with respect to certain named individuals of covered loans who are victims of identity theft, and for other purposes.

Comments

Nala Huang profile image

Nala Huang

393

9 months ago

I think this bill is important, but I wonder who will be impacted by it?