Groups that fight for consumers and auto safety are urging Governor Gavin Newsom to veto a bill that they say would make it harder for Californians who allege fraud or get stuck with a "lemon" vehicle to prove their case. Senate Bill 71 raises the limit from $25,000 to $35,000 to avoid being moved to limited civil court - where the discovery process and the number of depositions are limited. Michael Brooks, executive director, Center for Auto Safety, contends this change would put people who buy mid-range vehicles at a disadvantage. .
The 100 million Americans currently carrying medical or dental debt could get some relief, after the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau took steps to prohibit credit agencies from including that debt on credit reports. As Julia Char Gilbert - Connelly policy advocate with the Colorado Center on Law and Policy - explained, bad credit scores due to medical debt can create big problems. "Families are increasingly facing barriers to accessing rental housing, a credit card, certain forms of employment," said Gilbert, "all because that medical bill is showing up on their credit report." The CFPB proposal begins a rule-making process that will include a call for public comments. " .
Fraud prevention experts are getting the word out in Idaho on how to avoid scams. Events across the state in October aim to help people identify and protect themselves from thieves. Cathy McDougall, director of outreach for AARP Idaho, said if you suspect someone of a con, it is best not to engage with them. .
In response to a growing medical debt crisis in Wyoming and across the nation, the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has proposed banning medical debt from credit reports. Mona Shah, senior director of policy and strategy for the advocacy organization Community Catalyst, said they have heard from countless individuals who were not able to qualify for an apartment, or a car loan, or a job, just because of a bad credit score linked to an unplanned medical event. .
State lawmakers are taking notice and enacting a flurry of reforms designed to protect their constituents from late notices, threatening voicemails and credit score declines.