General

This article sets out 28 obligations of creditors, collectors, and merchants to provide information to consumers upon request or to retain consumer records for several years. These requirements assist consumer practitioners in developing the facts in a case, help consumers understand the nature of their transactions, and may provide statutory damages for their violation.

This article lists new federal and state consumer law rights going into effect from Nov. 17, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2023. Highlights include: extensive rights for student loan borrowers; protections concerning medical debt, collection lawsuits, robocalls, reverse mortgages and privacy; increased homestead, property, and wage garnishment exemptions; interest rate caps; bankruptcy practice changes; and 14 new California laws.

In 2022 significant new federal and state consumer law rights will be effective, and other rights are set to expire or have been extended. This article sets out, as of January 1, 2022, the effective dates for all of these changes, including changes effective from November 30, 2021 through January 1, 2023.

In 2021 many significant consumer law changes will be effective and a number of programs that were to expire have been extended. This article sets out those changes and extensions that are scheduled as of January 1, 2021, including changes effective from December 1, 2020 through January 1, 2022.

This article examines the consumer law implications of the March 11, 2021, American Rescue Plan Act: how to protect stimulus payments from garnishment and a bankruptcy trustee; student loan forgiveness being no longer taxable; relief for utility arrearages and payments; help for homeowners and renters; and help with broadband and water bills.