What's happening
This bill requires debt collectors to notify debtors that written communications are available in large print upon request.
Why it matters
Increases accessibility for visually impaired individuals. by ensuring they are informed that large print versions of debt-related communications are available, potentially reducing confusion or missed information due to unreadable small print.
Creates an enforceable right. for debtors to receive all written communications in large print if they request it in writing, empowering consumers to advocate for their own needs.
Imposes specific penalties for noncompliance. , with civil fines for first and subsequent offenses, incentivizing debt collectors and creditors to comply with accessibility requirements.
Clarifies definitions. of key terms such as “communication,” “debt,” and “debt collector,” which helps ensure the law is applied broadly and consistently across different types of consumer debt and collection practices.
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Who cares
Debt collectors
They would have to clearly disclose large-print availability in each initial communication and provide written communications in type size 16 or larger upon a debtor’s written request.
Principal creditors
They would face the same disclosure and large-print requirements, with civil penalties of up to $250 for a first violation and $500 for each subsequent offense.
Debtors who need large print
They would receive notice of the option and could request written communications in type size 16 or larger.
Headline styles
Debt Notices Must Offer Large Print
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
11 Co-sponsors
2 Multi-sponsors
History
- Enacting clause stricken
- Referred to consumer affairs and protection
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Large Print Debt Notices
In Senate Committee · Consumer Protection · Sponsor Kevin S. Parker
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
5237
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 7, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. DINOWITZ, JAFFEE, M. G. MILLER, GOTTFRIED, HOOP- ER, ARROYO, WEPRIN, GALEF, JOYNER, BLAKE, WALKER, SEAWRIGHT -- Multi- Sponsored by -- M. of A. COOK, GLICK -- read once and referred to the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection
AN ACT to amend the general business law, in relation to requiring debt collectors to inform debtors that written communications are available in large print format
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 600 of the general business law is amended by adding three new subdivisions 4, 5 and 6 to read as follows:
4. "Communication" shall mean the conveying of information regarding a debt directly or indirectly to any person through any medium.
5. "Debt" means any obligation or alleged obligation of a consumer to pay money arising out of a transaction in which the money, property, insurance, or services which are the subject of the transaction are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, whether or not such obligation has been reduced to judgment.
6. "Debt collector" means an individual who, as part of his or her job, regularly collects or attempts to collect debts: (a) owed or due or asserted to be owed or due to another; or (b) obtained by, or assigned to, such person, firm or corporation, that are in default when obtained or acquired by such person, firm or corporation.
§ 2. The general business law is amended by adding a new section 601-a to read as follows:
§ 601-a. Large print notices. 1. Each and every principal creditor or debt collector shall, in each initial communication, clearly and conspicuously disclose to the debtor that written communications from the principal creditor or debt collector may be received in a large print format. Upon written request by a debtor, the principal creditor
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03545-01-7
A. 5237 2
or debt collector must provide any written communication sent to the debtor in the large print format.
2. For the purposes of this section, large print format shall mean a printed font size of sixteen or larger.
§ 3. Subdivision 1 of section 602 of the general business law, as added by chapter 753 of the laws of 1973, is amended to read as follows:
1. Except as otherwise provided by law, any person who [shall violate] violates the terms of section six hundred one of this article [shall be] is guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such violation shall be deemed a separate offense. A violation by any person of section six hundred one-a of this article, if such violation constitutes the first such offense by such person, is punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars. The second offense and any offense committed thereafter is punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed five hundred dollars.
§ 4. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.