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HB 313

CIVIL RELIEF FROM COERCED DEBT ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Reena Szczepanski

Establishes civil liability and remedies for individuals forced into debt through coercion, but failed to advance past committee review.

action postponed indefinitely
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Bill Summary · HB 313

Legislative bill overview

HB 313, the Civil Relief from Coerced Debt Act, appears designed to provide legal remedies for individuals who have been forced or coerced into taking on debt against their will. The bill would likely establish civil causes of action and relief mechanisms for victims of debt coercion, a practice that can occur in contexts ranging from human trafficking to domestic abuse to fraud schemes. The specific mechanisms and scope remain unclear from available public records, as the bill was not printed for consideration.

Why is this important

Coerced debt is a serious harm that can trap vulnerable people in cycles of exploitation and financial servitude. Providing civil remedies would give victims a legal pathway to recover damages and escape debt obligations imposed through force or threats—currently a gap in many states' civil law frameworks. This addresses a real problem documented in human trafficking cases and domestic abuse situations where perpetrators use debt as a control mechanism.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: What legally constitutes "coerced debt" and how broadly the law applies could be contentious—whether it covers only violent coercion or extends to psychological pressure, and which contexts are covered
  • Burden of proof: Questions about what evidence victims must provide to prove coercion, and whether this creates litigation barriers for vulnerable populations
  • Lender liability: Whether the bill holds creditors responsible for knowingly participating in coerced debt schemes, which could face opposition from financial institutions concerned about compliance costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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