3C475388E88B814E87258AFC0001617A Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representative Mabrey, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 24-1380, concerning measures to increase consumer protections in transactions with debt-related services. Representative Mabrey explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Mabrey responded to questions regarding the impact of the bill on court action, and the potential impact of the bill on lenders and the overall economy. Representative Mabrey responded to further questions regarding potential amendments to the bill. Discussion ensued regarding bundling.  Public comment on HB 24-1380 may be found at Attachment F.

Mr. Scott Allely, representing Associated Collection Agencies, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Blake Boettcher, representing The Associated Collection Agencies of CO, WY, NM, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Nicholas Prola, representing Associated, testified in opposition to the bill. Alan Greenberg, representing Greenberg Sada & Moody PC, testified to amend the bill. Discussion ensued regarding legislation passed in 2023 pertaining to debt collection. Mr. Greenberg responded to questions.

Mr. KIRK WELSCH, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Alisha Bond, representing Credit Service Company, testified in opposition to the bill. Jake Argon, representing American Association for Debt Resolution, testified to amend the bill. Mr. Ben Vinci, representing himself, testified to amend the bill.

Mr. James Wolf, representing Colorado Creditor Bar Association (CCBA), testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Yosy Janson, representing Colorado Creditors Bar Association, testified to amend the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the issuance of bench warrants in debt collection cases.

Mr. Brian Wood, representing UChealth Workers United, testified in support of the bill.

Austin Clancy, representing Colorado Financial Services Association (CFSA), testified in support of the bill.

Martha Fulford, representing Department of Law, testified in support of the bill.

jeff riester, representing Department of Law, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Fulford responded to questions regarding certain language in HB 24-1380. Mr. Riester provided input on this issue.

Carly Weisenberg, representing herself, testified in support of HB 24-1380.

David Seligman, representing Towards Justice, testified in support of the bill.

Dana Kennedy, representing Center for Health Progress, testified in support of the bill.

Nicole Gordon, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Kennedy responded to questions regarding her position on lawsuits to collect medical debt. Mr. Seligman elaborated on his testimony. Ms. Kennedy responded to questions regarding medical debt and credit scores.

Representative Mabrey explained the effect of amendment L.003 (Attachment G).

Representative Mabrey provided closing remarks in support of HB 24-1380. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.