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.