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Bill

SB 189

Consumer debt collection proceedings; signing of pleadings, motions, and other papers.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Angelia Graves

SB 189 requires Virginia debt collectors to provide consumers enhanced written notifications about their rights and collection proceedings details.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB189ER)
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Bill Summary · SB 189

Legislative bill overview

SB 189 amends Virginia's Consumer Protection Act to require debt collectors to provide consumers with specific notifications during debt collection proceedings. The bill establishes new disclosure requirements that collectors must follow when pursuing collection actions, ensuring consumers have clear information about their rights and the collection process.

Why is this important

Debt collection is a significant consumer issue, with many Virginians facing aggressive or unclear collection practices. Enhanced notification requirements can help consumers understand their legal obligations, identify potential violations of collection laws, and better protect themselves during proceedings. This addresses information asymmetries between sophisticated debt collectors and individual consumers.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Debt collection industry may argue that new notification requirements increase operational expenses, potentially passed to consumers or affecting collection rates
  • Scope of notifications: Unclear what specific information must be disclosed and at what stages, creating ambiguity about compliance standards for creditors and collectors
  • Effectiveness debate: Consumer advocates may view requirements as insufficient, while industry groups may consider them burdensome relative to consumer benefit

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

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