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Advocates, legal aid push bill to let survivors challenge coerced debt; banks ask for fixes
Summary
Del. Leslie Lopez and survivor‑advocates urged passage of HB 11 98 to let victims of coerced debt notify creditors, stop collections and seek court relief; bankers and creditor groups asked for narrower definitions, longer response windows and technical amendments to ensure operational feasibility.
Delegate Leslie Lopez told the Judiciary Committee HB 11 98 is designed to give survivors of domestic violence, foster youth and older adults a clear legal path to challenge debts that were coerced or obtained through financial abuse. "Coerced debt ... can trap survivors in a state of economic instability long after they've escaped their abusive relationship," she said.
Witnesses from legal‑aid groups,…
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