Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE |
|
---|---|
May 04, 2022 | referred to consumer affairs and protection delivered to assembly passed senate |
Mar 07, 2022 | advanced to third reading |
Mar 03, 2022 | 2nd report cal. |
Mar 02, 2022 | 1st report cal.628 |
Feb 22, 2022 | print number 5136b |
Feb 22, 2022 | amend and recommit to consumer protection |
Jan 05, 2022 | referred to consumer protection |
Apr 28, 2021 | print number 5136a |
Apr 28, 2021 | amend and recommit to consumer protection |
Feb 24, 2021 | referred to consumer protection |
senate Bill S5136B
Relates to protections for private education loan borrowers and cosigners
Sponsored By
Kevin Thomas
(D) 6th Senate District
Archive: Last Bill Status - Passed Senate
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor Calendar
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Delivered to Governor
- Signed/Vetoed by Governor
Your Voice
Actions
-
view actions (12)
Votes
-
view votes
May 4, 2022 - floor Vote
S5136B539floor53Aye9Nay0Absent1Excused0Abstained-
show floor vote details
Floor Vote: May 4, 2022
aye (53)- Addabbo
- Bailey
- Biaggi
- Breslin
- Brisport
- Brooks
- Cleare
- Comrie
- Cooney
- Felder
- Gallivan
- Gaughran
- Gianaris
- Gounardes
- Griffo
- Harckham
- Hinchey
- Hoylman-Sigal
- Jackson
- Jordan
- Kaminsky
- Kaplan
- Kavanagh
- Kennedy
- Krueger
- Lanza
- Liu
- Mannion
- Mattera
- May
- Mayer
- Myrie
- Oberacker
- Palumbo
- Parker
- Persaud
- Ramos
- Reichlin-Melnick
- Ritchie
- Rivera
- Ryan
- Salazar
- Sanders
- Savino
- Sepúlveda
- Serino
- Serrano
- Skoufis
- Stavisky
- Stewart-Cousins
- Tedisco
- Thomas
- Weik
excused (1)
Mar 2, 2022 - Consumer Protection committee Vote
S5136B60committee6Aye0Nay1Aye with Reservations0Absent0Excused0Abstained -
show floor vote details
S5136 - Details
S5136 - Sponsor Memo
BILL NUMBER: S5136 SPONSOR: THOMAS TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the general business law and the civil practice law and rules, in relation to protecting private education loan borrowers and cosigners PURPOSE GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: To extend long-term protections to private student loan borrowers. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Section one of the bill creates a new article in the general business law entitled "Private Education Loan Protections." The new article includes a section that provides definitions for "private education loan," "private education lender," "borrower," "cosigner," "original creditor," "creditor," "debt collector," and "higher education expense." Under this article, a private education lender is required to provide
all cosigner applicants information about the rights and responsibil- ities of being a cosigner of the loan. Additionally, a lender may not place any loan into default, or accelerate it for any reason, other than for missed payments. The new article also includes a section that requires debt collectors to disclose information about the debt in the first communication with the borrower or cosigner, and a section that requires creditors to have certain information in their possession before collecting or attempting to collect a private education loan debt. A borrower or cosigner can bring an action against a noncompliant credi- tor to recover or obtain actual damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees, correction of that person's credit report, injunctive relief, and any other relief the court deems proper. The Superintendent of Financial Services or the Attorney General may also bring an action. Section two of the bill adds a new section to the civil practice law and rules requiring attorneys representing creditors seeking a judgment to submit sworn affidavits attesting that their client has all of the information necessary to collect on the debt and that the statute of limitations on the debt has not expired. The creditor's attorney must provide the following documentation attached to the application when seeking a judgment: information that establishes that the creditor is the owner of the specific individual private education loan at issue; a copy of all pages of the contract and application; and a signed affida- vit from each of the previous owners of the private education loan stat- ing its default or acceleration status. If a borrower or cosigner sends written notice to a creditor or debt collector disputing the creditor's or debt collector's compliance with this section, the creditor or debt collector must prove compliance to the court or move to vacate the judgment, refund all money paid after the judgment was entered, and remove all negative credit history. If a creditor or debt collector fails to respond to a borrower's or cosigner's written notice, the borrower or cosigner can obtain an order vacating the judgment, a judgment in favor of the borrower or cosigner, actual damages, restitution, punitive damages, attorney's fees, correction of a credit report, injunctive relief, and any other relief deemed proper. If a creditor or attorney files an affidavit containing false informa- tion, the court must award treble damages. JUSTIFICATION: Borrowers with private education loans face a wide range of unique chal- lenges when managing student debt. These loans often have extremely high interest rates and no flexible or affordable repayment options, leaving borrowers with little recourse when faced with a financial shock or unemployment. When borrowers fall behind on this debt, they often face aggressive debt collection tactics and lawsuits, all without the benefit of the type of bankruptcy protection available to consumers with other types of debt. Law enforcement officials have brought significant federal and state litigation alleging predatory lending by the largest private education lenders and alleging abusive collections, robo-signing, and illegal pursuit of invalid debts by collectors, investors, and servicers. These cases expose significant, systemic flaws in the way the judicial system approaches private education loan debts-setting up the most vulnerable borrowers to face persistent financial distress in the decades ahead. As New York grapples with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, student debt remains a financial anchor for more than two million New Yorkers. The federal response to the pandemic has wholly ignored the plight of private student loan borrowers, leaving them to grapple with the predatory players that plague this sector of the student loan market. But where the federal government has failed, New York is stepping in. The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced, on April 7, 2020, that it negotiated with some of the largest private student loan companies to offer relief to as many as 300,000 New Yorkers struggling with private student loan debt. The proposed relief offered up to 90 days of deferment and protections from negative credit report- ing. However, this relief was only temporary and did not cover the entire student loan market. Private student loan companies and creditors have now resumed filing new lawsuits and continuing existing cases to recover past-due debts, despite tens of thousands of people still out of work or losing their jobs. Additionally, some of these companies submit false or misleading legal documents against the borrower to courts. It is clear that student loan borrowers need long-term solutions as New York works to recover from the pandemic. This legislation creates protections that would limit the economic exploitation of vulnerable borrowers by ensuring that borrowers are informed of any lender-speci- fied repayment options and by creating protections for new borrowers taking on debt. PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: New bill. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: None to the state. EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect immediately.
S5136 - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 5136 2021-2022 Regular Sessions I N S E N A T E February 24, 2021 ___________ Introduced by Sen. THOMAS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Consumer Protection AN ACT to amend the general business law and the civil practice law and rules, in relation to protecting private education loan borrowers and cosigners THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The general business law is amended by adding a new article 42 to read as follows: ARTICLE 42 PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN PROTECTIONS SECTION 1100. DEFINITIONS. 1101. APPLICABILITY. 1102. EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS. 1103. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO COSIGNERS. 1104. PROHIBITION ON ACCELERATION OF PAYMENTS ON PRIVATE EDUCA- TION LOANS. 1105. REQUIRED COMMUNICATIONS. 1106. REQUIRED INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS. 1107. ENFORCEMENT. 1108. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1109. PENALTIES. § 1100. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE: 1. "PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN" MEANS AN EXTENSION OF CREDIT THAT: (A) IS NOT MADE, INSURED, OR GUARANTEED UNDER TITLE IV OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 ET SEQ.); (B) IS EXTENDED TO A CONSUMER EXPRESSLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, FOR HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE LOAN IS PROVIDED BY THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION THAT THE STUDENT ATTENDS; EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD09464-03-1
S. 5136 2 (C) DOES NOT INCLUDE OPEN-END CREDIT OR ANY LOAN THAT IS SECURED BY REAL PROPERTY OR A DWELLING; AND (D) DOES NOT INCLUDE AN EXTENSION OF CREDIT IN WHICH THE COVERED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IS THE CREDITOR IF: (I) THE TERM OF THE EXTENSION OF CREDIT IS NINETY DAYS OR LESS; OR (II) AN INTEREST RATE OR FINANCE CHARGE WILL NOT BE APPLIED TO THE CREDIT BALANCE AND THE TERM OF THE EXTENSION OF CREDIT IS ONE YEAR OR LESS, EVEN IF THE CREDIT IS PAYABLE IN MORE THAN FOUR INSTALLMENTS. 2. "PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER", EXCEPT AS EXEMPTED UNDER THIS ARTICLE, MEANS: (A) ANY PERSON OR ENTITY ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF SECURING, MAKING, OR EXTENDING PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS; OR (B) ANY HOLDER OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN. 3. "BORROWER" OR "PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER" MEANS A PERSON WHO HAS RECEIVED OR AGREED TO PAY A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN FOR HIS OR HER OWN EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES. 4. "COSIGNER" (A) MEANS: (I) ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO IS LIABLE FOR THE OBLIGATION OF ANOTHER WITHOUT COMPENSATION, REGARDLESS OF HOW DESIGNATED IN THE CONTRACT OR INSTRUMENT WITH RESPECT TO THAT OBLIGATION, INCLUDING AN OBLIGATION UNDER A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN EXTENDED TO CONSOLIDATE A BORROWER'S PRE-EXISTING PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS; AND (II) INCLUDES ANY PERSON THE SIGNATURE OF WHICH IS REQUESTED AS CONDI- TION TO GRANT CREDIT OR TO FORBEAR ON COLLECTION; (B) DOES NOT INCLUDE A SPOUSE OF AN INDIVIDUAL DESCRIBED IN SUBPARA- GRAPH (I) OF PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION, THE SIGNATURE OF WHOM IS NEEDED TO PERFECT THE SECURITY INTEREST IN A LOAN. 5. "ORIGINAL CREDITOR" MEANS THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER IDENTIFIED IN A PROMISSORY NOTE, LOAN AGREEMENT, OR LOAN CONTRACT ENTERED INTO WITH A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER OR COSIGNER. 6. "CREDITOR" MEANS: (A) THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR, WHERE OWNERSHIP OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT HAS NOT BEEN SOLD, ASSIGNED, OR TRANSFERRED; (B) THE PERSON OR ENTITY THAT OWNED THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT AT THE TIME THE DEBT BECAME DELINQUENT OR DEFAULTED, EVEN IF THAT PERSON OR ENTITY DID NOT ORIGINATE THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, AND WHERE SUCH A DEBT HAS NOT SUBSEQUENTLY BEEN SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED; OR (C) A PERSON OR ENTITY THAT PURCHASED A DELINQUENT OR DEFAULTED PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT FOR COLLECTION PURPOSES, WHETHER IT COLLECTS THE DEBT ITSELF, HIRES A THIRD PARTY FOR COLLECTION, OR HIRES AN ATTOR- NEY FOR COLLECTION LITIGATION. 7. "DEBT COLLECTOR" MEANS ANY PERSON WHO REGULARLY COLLECTS OR ATTEMPTS TO COLLECT, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, CONSUMER DEBTS ORIGINALLY OWED OR DUE OR ASSERTED TO BE OWED OR DUE ANOTHER. THE TERM DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF A CREDITOR WHO, IN THE NAME OF THE CREDITOR, COLLECTS DEBTS FOR SUCH CREDITOR, BUT IT DOES INCLUDE ANY CREDITOR WHO, IN THE PROCESS OF COLLECTING ITS OWN DEBTS, USES ANY NAME OTHER THAN ITS OWN WHICH WOULD INDICATE THAT A THIRD PERSON IS COLLECT- ING OR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT SUCH DEBTS. 8. "HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSE" MEANS ANY EXPENSE ARISING FROM HIGHER EDUCATION, AS DEFINED IN SECTION TWO OF THE EDUCATION LAW, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION IS ACCREDITED WITHIN NEW YORK STATE. § 1101. APPLICABILITY. 1. ANY PERSON OR ENTITY THAT ENTERS INTO A CONTRACT OR SUBCONTRACT WITH A PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER OR SERVICER TO S. 5136 3 PERFORM THE SERVICING OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN MUST FULFILL THE OBLI- GATIONS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER UNDER THIS ARTICLE. 2. ANY PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER AS DESCRIBED IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED OF THIS ARTICLE BE JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY LIABLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF THE ENTITY OR PERSON IN FULFILLING THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL LENDER OR SERVICER UNDER THIS ARTICLE. § 1102. EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS. THE FOLLOWING SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE ONLY TO THE EXTENT THAT STATE REGULATION IS PREEMPTED BY FEDERAL LAW: 1. ANY BANKING ORGANIZATION, FOREIGN BANKING CORPORATION, NATIONAL BANK, FEDERAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR ANY BANK, TRUST COMPANY, SAVINGS BANK, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, OR CREDIT UNION ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER STATE; AND 2. ANY SUBSIDIARY OF SUCH ENTITIES SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION. § 1103. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO COSIGNERS. 1. (A) PRIOR TO THE ORIGI- NATION OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER SHALL PROVIDE TO ALL COSIGNER APPLICANTS INFORMATION ABOUT THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COSIGNER OF THE LOAN, INCLUDING: (I) INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN OBLIGATION WILL APPEAR ON THE COSIGNER'S CREDIT; (II) INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THE COSIGNER WILL BE NOTIFIED IF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BECOMES DELINQUENT, INCLUDING HOW THE COSIGNER CAN CURE THE DELINQUENCY IN ORDER TO AVOID NEGATIVE CREDIT FURNISHING AND LOSS OF COSIGNER RELEASE ELIGIBILITY; AND (III) INFORMATION ABOUT ELIGIBILITY FOR RELEASE OF THE COSIGNER'S OBLIGATION ON THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, INCLUDING NUMBER OF ON-TIME PAYMENTS AND ANY OTHER CRITERIA REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE RELEASE OF COSIGNER FROM THE LOAN OBLIGATION. (B) LENDERS SHALL SEND BORROWERS AND COSIGNERS ANNUAL WRITTEN NOTICES CONTAINING INFORMATION ABOUT COSIGNER RELEASE, INCLUDING CRITERIA THE LENDER REQUIRES TO APPROVE THE RELEASE OF COSIGNER FROM THE LOAN OBLI- GATION AND THE PROCESS FOR APPLYING FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. (C) ONCE THE BORROWER HAS MET THE APPLICABLE CONSECUTIVE ON-TIME PAYMENT REQUIREMENT TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, THE LENDER SHALL SEND THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER A WRITTEN NOTIFICATION BY U.S. MAIL AND BY ELECTRONIC MAIL, WHERE A BORROWER HAS ELECTED TO RECEIVE ELEC- TRONIC COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE LENDER, INFORMING THE BORROWER AND COSIG- NER THAT HE OR SHE HAS MET THE APPLICABLE CONSECUTIVE, ON-TIME PAYMENTS REQUIREMENT TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. THE NOTIFICATION SHALL ALSO INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY ADDITIONAL CRITERIA TO QUALIFY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, AND THE PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. (D) LENDERS SHALL PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS TO ANY BORROWER WHO APPLIES FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, BUT WHOSE APPLICATION IS INCOMPLETE. THE WRITTEN NOTICE MUST INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE INFOR- MATION NEEDED TO CONSIDER THE APPLICATION COMPLETE AND THE DATE BY WHICH THE APPLICANT SHOULD FURNISH THE MISSING INFORMATION. (E) AFTER A BORROWER SUBMITS A COMPLETE APPLICATION FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, WITHIN THIRTY DAYS, THE LENDER SHALL SEND THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER A WRITTEN NOTICE THAT INFORMS THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER WHETHER THE COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATION HAS BEEN APPROVED OR DENIED. IF THE LENDER DENIES A REQUEST FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, THE LENDER SHALL INFORM THE BORROWER OF HIS OR HER RIGHT TO REQUEST ALL DOCUMENTS AND INFORMA- TION USED IN THE DETERMINATION, INCLUDING THE CREDIT SCORE THRESHOLD USED BY THE LENDER, THE BORROWER'S CONSUMER REPORT, THE BORROWER'S CRED- IT SCORE, AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS SPECIFIC TO THE BORROWER. THE LENDER S. 5136 4 MUST ALSO PROVIDE ANY ADVERSE ACTION NOTICES REQUIRED UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW IF THE DENIAL IS BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON ANY INFORMA- TION CONTAINED IN A CONSUMER REPORT. 2. (A) IN RESPONSE TO ANY WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, LENDERS SHALL SEND THE INFORMATION DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION. (B) LENDERS SHALL NOT IMPOSE ANY RESTRICTIONS THAT MAY PERMANENTLY BAR A BORROWER FROM QUALIFYING FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, INCLUDING RESTRICTING THE NUMBER OF TIMES A BORROWER MAY APPLY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. (C) LENDERS SHALL NOT IMPOSE ANY NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES ON ANY BORROWER OR COSIGNER DURING THE SIXTY DAYS FOLLOWING THE ISSUANCE OF THE NOTICE REQUIRED UNDER PARAGRAPH (D) OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION, OR UNTIL THE LENDER MAKES A FINAL DETERMINATION ABOUT A BORROWER'S COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATION. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS PARAGRAPH, "NEGATIVE CONSE- QUENCES" INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPOSITION OF ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, NEGATIVE CREDIT REPORTING, LOST ELIGIBILITY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, LATE FEES, INTEREST CAPITALIZATION, OR OTHER FINANCIAL INJURY. (D) LENDERS SHALL NOT REQUIRE GREATER THAN TWELVE CONSECUTIVE, ON-TIME PAYMENTS AS CRITERIA TO APPLY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. ANY BORROWER WHO HAS PAID THE EQUIVALENT OF TWELVE MONTHS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST PAYMENTS WITHIN ANY TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE SATISFIED THE CONSECUTIVE, ON-TIME PAYMENT REQUIREMENT, EVEN IF THE BORROWER HAS NOT MADE PAYMENTS MONTHLY DURING THE TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD. (E) IF A BORROWER OR COSIGNER REQUESTS A CHANGE THAT RESTARTS THE COUNT OF CONSECUTIVE, ON-TIME PAYMENTS REQUIRED FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, THE LENDER SHALL NOTIFY THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER IN WRITING WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE IMPACT OF SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT AND PROVIDE THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW OR REVERSE THE REQUEST TO AVOID SUCH IMPACT. (F) THE BORROWER HAS THE RIGHT TO REQUEST AN APPEAL OF A LENDER'S DETERMINATION TO DENY THE COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATION WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF RECEIVING THE LENDER'S DETERMINATION, AND THE LENDER SHALL PERMIT SUCH BORROWER TO SUBMIT ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION EVIDENCING THAT THE BORROWER HAS THE ABILITY, WILLINGNESS, AND STABILITY TO HANDLE HIS OR HER PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS. THE BORROWER MAY REQUEST REVIEW OF THE COSIGNER RELEASE DETERMINATION BY ANOTHER EMPLOYEE. THE LENDER SHALL INFORM THE BORROWER OF THIS RIGHT IN A CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS MANNER ON THE NOTICE DENYING THE COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATION. (G) A LENDER MUST ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A COMPREHENSIVE RECORD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REASONABLY DESIGNED TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY, INTEGRITY, AND COMPLETENESS OF DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATIONS. THIS SYSTEM SHALL INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, THE APPROVAL AND DENIAL RATE, AND THE PRIMARY REASONS FOR ANY DENIAL. (H) IF A COSIGNER HAS A TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY, AS DETERMINED BY ANY FEDERAL AGENCY, STATE AGENCY, OR PHYSICIAN OR DOCTOR OF OSTEOPA- THY LEGALLY AUTHORIZED TO PRACTICE IN THIS STATE, THE LENDER SHALL RELEASE THE COSIGNER FROM THE COSIGNER'S OBLIGATION TO REPAY THE LOAN UPON RECEIVING A NOTIFICATION OF THE COSIGNER'S TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY. THE LENDER SHALL NOT REQUIRE A NEW COSIGNER TO BE ADDED TO THE LOAN AFTER THE ORIGINAL COSIGNER HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM THE LOAN. 3. (A) A LENDER SHALL PROVIDE A COSIGNER OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WITH ACCESS TO ALL DOCUMENTS OR RECORDS RELATED TO THE COSIGNED PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THE BORROWER; S. 5136 5 (B) IF A LENDER PROVIDES ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS FOR A BORROWER, IT SHALL PROVIDE EQUIVALENT ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO THE COSIGNER; AND (C) UPON RECEIVING NOTICE FROM THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER, THE LENDER SHALL REDACT THE CONTACT INFORMATION OF THE OTHER PARTY. § 1104. PROHIBITION ON ACCELERATION OF PAYMENTS ON PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS. 1. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION, A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN EXECUTED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ARTICLE MAY NOT INCLUDE A PROVISION THAT PERMITS THE PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL LENDER TO ACCELERATE, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, PAYMENTS ON THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN. 2. A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN MAY INCLUDE A PROVISION THAT PERMITS ACCELERATION OF THE LOAN IN CASES OF PAYMENT DEFAULT. 3. A LENDER SHALL NOT PLACE ANY LOAN OR ACCOUNT INTO DEFAULT OR ACCEL- ERATE A LOAN FOR ANY REASON, OTHER THAN FOR FAILURE TO PAY. 4. (A) IN THE EVENT OF THE DEATH OF A COSIGNER, A LENDER SHALL NOT ATTEMPT TO COLLECT AGAINST THE COSIGNER'S ESTATE, OTHER THAN FOR FAILURE TO PAY. (B) UPON RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF THE DEATH OR BANKRUPTCY OF A COSIG- NER, WHEN THE LOAN IS NOT MORE THAN SIXTY DAYS DELINQUENT AT THE TIME OF THE NOTIFICATION, A LENDER SHALL NOT CHANGE ANY TERMS OR BENEFITS UNDER THE PROMISSORY NOTE, REPAYMENT SCHEDULE, REPAYMENT TERMS, OR MONTHLY PAYMENT AMOUNT OR ANY OTHER PROVISION ASSOCIATED WITH THE LOAN. (C) A LENDER SHALL NOT PLACE ANY LOAN OR ACCOUNT INTO DEFAULT OR ACCELERATE A LOAN FOR ANY REASON, OTHER THAN FOR FAILURE TO PAY. § 1105. REQUIRED COMMUNICATIONS. IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER INFORMATION REQUIRED UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE LAW, A DEBT COLLECTOR SHALL PROVIDE IN THE FIRST DEBT COLLECTION COMMUNICATION WITH THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER OR COSIGNER AND AT ANY OTHER TIME THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER REQUESTS SUCH DOCUMENTATION: 1. THE NAME OF THE OWNER OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT; 2. THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S NAME AT THE TIME OF SALE OF THE LOAN, IF APPLICABLE; 3. THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER USED TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT AT THE TIME OF SALE, IF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR USED AN ACCOUNT NUMBER TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT AT THE TIME OF SALE; 4. THE AMOUNT DUE AT THE TIME OF DEFAULT OR THE AMOUNT DUE TO BRING THE LOAN CURRENT IF THE LOAN IS DELINQUENT; 5. A SCHEDULE OF ALL TRANSACTIONS CREDITED OR DEBITED TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN ACCOUNT; 6. A COPY OF ALL PAGES OF THE CONTRACT, APPLICATION OR OTHER DOCUMENTS EVIDENCING THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER'S OR COSIGNER'S LIABILITY FOR THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, STATING ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLI- CABLE TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; AND 7. A CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS STATEMENT DISCLOSING THAT THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER HAS A RIGHT TO REQUEST ALL INFORMATION POSSESSED BY THE CREDI- TOR RELATED TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE REQUIRED INFORMATION DESCRIBED IN SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED SIX OF THIS ARTICLE. § 1106. REQUIRED INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS. A CREDITOR MAY NOT COLLECT OR ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT UNLESS THE CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR POSSESSES THE FOLLOWING: 1. THE NAME OF THE OWNER OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; S. 5136 6 2. THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S NAME AT THE TIME OF SALE OF THE LOAN OR DEFAULT, IF APPLICABLE; 3. THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER USED TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT THE TIME OF SALE OR DEFAULT, IF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR USED AN ACCOUNT NUMBER TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT THE TIME OF SALE OR DEFAULT; 4. THE AMOUNT DUE AT THE TIME OF SALE, OR AT DEFAULT, OR, IF THE LOAN IS DELINQUENT, TO BRING THE LOAN CURRENT; 5. A SCHEDULE OF ALL TRANSACTIONS CREDITED OR DEBITED TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN ACCOUNT; 6. AN ITEMIZATION OF INTEREST AND FEES, IF ANY, CLAIMED TO BE OWED AND WHETHER THOSE WERE IMPOSED BY THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR OR ANY SUBSEQUENT OWNERS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; 7. THE DATE THAT THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WAS INCURRED; 8. A BILLING STATEMENT OR OTHER ACCOUNT RECORD INDICATING THE DATE OF THE FIRST PARTIAL PAYMENT AND/OR THE FIRST DAY THAT A PAYMENT WAS MISSED, WHICHEVER IS EARLIER; 9. A BILLING STATEMENT OR OTHER ACCOUNT RECORD INDICATING THE DATE OF THE LAST PAYMENT MADE BY THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER, IF APPLICABLE; 10. ANY PAYMENTS, SETTLEMENT, OR FINANCIAL REMUNERATION OF ANY KIND PAID TO THE CREDITOR BY A GUARANTOR, COSIGNER, OR SURETY, AND THE AMOUNT OF PAYMENT RECEIVED; 11. A COPY OF THE SELF-CERTIFICATION FORM AND ANY OTHER "NEEDS ANALY- SIS" CONDUCTED BY THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR PRIOR TO ORIGINATION OF THE LOAN; 12. THE NAMES OF ALL PERSONS OR ENTITIES THAT OWNED THE PRIVATE EDUCA- TION LOAN AFTER IT BECAME DELINQUENT OR WENT INTO DEFAULT, IF APPLICA- BLE, AND THE DATE OF EACH SALE OR TRANSFER; 13. A LOG OF ALL COLLECTION ATTEMPTS MADE IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS INCLUDING DATE AND TIME OF ALL CALLS AND LETTERS; 14. COPIES OF ALL SETTLEMENT LETTERS MADE IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS, OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, A STATEMENT THAT THE CREDITOR HAS NOT ATTEMPTED TO SETTLE OR OTHERWISE RENEGOTIATE THE DEBT PRIOR TO SUIT; 15. COPIES OF ALL COLLECTION LETTERS SENT TO THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER SINCE INCEPTION OF THE LOAN; 16. DOCUMENTATION ESTABLISHING THAT THE CREDITOR IS THE OWNER OF THE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT ISSUE. IF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WAS ASSIGNED MORE THAN ONCE, THE CREDITOR MUST POSSESS EACH ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING EVIDENCING THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF THE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN TO ESTABLISH AN UNBROKEN CHAIN OF OWNERSHIP, BEGINNING WITH THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR TO THE FIRST SUBSEQUENT CREDITOR AND EACH ADDITIONAL CREDITOR. EACH ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING EVIDENCING TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OR THE RIGHT TO COLLECT MUST CONTAIN THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER (REDACTED FOR SECU- RITY PURPOSES TO SHOW ONLY THE LAST FOUR DIGITS) OF THE PRIVATE EDUCA- TION LOAN PURCHASED OR OTHERWISE ASSIGNED, THE DATE OF PURCHASE AND ASSIGNMENT, AND MUST CLEARLY SHOW THE BORROWER'S, AND IF APPLICABLE, COSIGNER'S CORRECT NAME ASSOCIATED WITH THE ORIGINAL ACCOUNT NUMBER. THE ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING ATTACHED SHALL BE THAT BY WHICH THE CREDITOR OR OTHER ASSIGNEE ACQUIRED THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, NOT A DOCUMENT PREPARED FOR LITIGATION OR COLLECTION PURPOSES; 17. A COPY OF ALL PAGES OF THE CONTRACT, APPLICATION OR OTHER DOCU- MENTS EVIDENCING THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER'S, AND IF APPLICA- BLE, COSIGNER'S LIABILITY FOR THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, STATING ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; AND S. 5136 7 18. A SIGNED AFFIDAVIT OR AFFIDAVITS FROM EACH OF THE PREVIOUS OWNERS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN REGARDING WHEN THE PREVIOUS OWNER ACCELER- ATED THE LOAN FROM DELINQUENCY STATUS TO DEFAULT STATUS, OR IF APPLICA- BLE, A STATEMENT THAT NO SUCH ACCELERATION OCCURRED. § 1107. ENFORCEMENT. 1. ALL PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDERS, CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS SHALL COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE. 2. ANY BORROWER OR COSIGNER WHO SUFFERS DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER, CREDITOR, OR DEBT COLLECTOR COVERED BY THE PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE MAY BRING AN ACTION ON THEIR OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF A SIMILARLY SITUATED CLASS OF CONSUMERS AGAINST THAT PERSON TO RECOVER OR OBTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: (A) ACTUAL DAMAGES, BUT IN NO CASE SHALL THE TOTAL AWARD OF DAMAGES BE LESS THAN FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS PER PERSON, PER VIOLATION. (B) PUNITIVE DAMAGES. (C) CORRECTION OF THAT PERSON'S CREDIT REPORT. (D) INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. (E) ANY OTHER RELIEF THAT THE COURT DEEMS PROPER. 3. IN THE CASE OF ANY SUCCESSFUL ACTION TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING LIABILITY, A PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER, CREDITOR, OR DEBT COLLECTOR IS LIABLE FOR THE COSTS OF THE ACTION, TOGETHER WITH REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES AS DETERMINED BY THE COURT. 4. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF ANY COUNTY MAY BRING AN ACTION IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE TO RESTRAIN OR PREVENT ANY VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE OR ANY CONTINUANCE OF ANY SUCH VIOLATION. 5. NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL LIMIT ANY STATUTORY OR COMMON LAW RIGHT OF ANY PERSON TO BRING ANY ACTION IN ANY COURT FOR ANY ACT, OR THE RIGHT OF THE STATE TO PUNISH ANY PERSON FOR ANY VIOLATION OF ANY LAW. § 1108. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1. IN ADDITION TO SUCH POWERS AS MAY OTHERWISE BE PRESCRIBED BY THIS CHAPTER, THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED TO PROMULGATE SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE, OR APPROPRIATE FOR THE EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS ARTICLE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: (A) SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACTIVITIES OF PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDERS, CREDITORS, AND DEBT COLLECTORS AS MAY BE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE FOR THE PROTECTION OF BORROWERS IN THIS STATE; (B) SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY BE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE TO DEFINE UNFAIR, DECEPTIVE OR ABUSIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACTIVITIES OF PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDERS, CREDITORS, AND DEBT COLLEC- TORS; (C) SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY DEFINE THE TERMS USED IN THIS ARTICLE AND AS MAY BE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE TO INTERPRET AND IMPLE- MENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE; AND (D) SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS ARTICLE. 2. THE SUPERINTENDENT IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED TO MAKE SUCH SPECIFIC RULINGS, DEMANDS AND FINDINGS AS THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY DEEM NECESSARY FOR THE PROPER CONDUCT OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN INDUSTRY. § 1109. PENALTIES. IN ADDITION TO SUCH PENALTIES AS MAY OTHERWISE BE APPLICABLE BY LAW, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE PENALTIES AVAILABLE UNDER SECTION FORTY-FOUR OF THE BANKING LAW, THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES OR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY, AFTER NOTICE AND HEAR- ING, REQUIRE ANY PERSON FOUND VIOLATING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE OR THE RULES OR REGULATIONS PROMULGATED HEREUNDER TO PAY TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS STATE A PENALTY FOR EACH VIOLATION OF THE ARTICLE OR ANY REGU- S. 5136 8 LATION OR POLICY PROMULGATED HEREUNDER A SUM NOT TO EXCEED THE GREATER OF (I) TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH OFFENSE; (II) A MULTIPLE OF TWO TIMES THE AGGREGATE DAMAGES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE VIOLATION; OR (III) A MULTIPLE OF TWO TIMES THE AGGREGATE ECONOMIC GAIN ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE VIOLATION. § 2. The civil practice law and rules is amended by adding a new section 3012-c to read as follows: § 3012-C. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO JUDGMENTS AGAINST PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWERS OR COSIGNERS. (A) IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY THIS CHAPTER, AN ATTORNEY REPRESENTING A CREDITOR SEEKING A JUDGMENT ARISING FROM A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT, SHALL SUBMIT A SWORN AFFIDAVIT ATTESTING THAT: (1) THE CREDITOR HAS IN ITS POSSESSION THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: (I) THE NAME OF THE OWNER OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; (II) THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S NAME AT THE TIME THE LOAN WAS PURCHASED, AND/OR THE LOAN WENT INTO DEFAULT, IF APPLICABLE; (III) THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER USED TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WHEN THE LOAN WAS SOLD AND/OR AT THE TIME OF DEFAULT, IF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR USED AN ACCOUNT NUMBER TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT THE TIME OF SALE AND/OR DEFAULT; (IV) THE AMOUNT DUE AT THE TIME THE LOAN WAS SOLD BY THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR AND/OR AT THE TIME OF DEFAULT; (V) A SCHEDULE OF ALL TRANSACTIONS CREDITED OR DEBITED TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN ACCOUNT; (VI) AN ITEMIZATION OF INTEREST AND FEES, IF ANY, CLAIMED TO BE OWED AND WHETHER THOSE WERE IMPOSED BY THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR OR ANY SUBSE- QUENT OWNERS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; (VII) THE DATE THAT THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WAS INCURRED; (VIII) THE DATE OF THE FIRST PARTIAL PAYMENT AND/OR THE FIRST DAY THAT A PAYMENT WAS MISSED, WHICHEVER IS EARLIER; (IX) THE DATE AND AMOUNT OF THE LAST PAYMENT, IF APPLICABLE; (X) ANY PAYMENTS, SETTLEMENT, OR FINANCIAL REMUNERATION OF ANY KIND PAID TO THE CREDITOR BY A GUARANTOR, COSIGNER, OR SURETY, AND THE AMOUNT OF PAYMENT RECEIVED; (XI) A COPY OF THE SELF-CERTIFICATION FORM AND ANY OTHER "NEEDS ANALY- SIS" CONDUCTED BY THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR PRIOR TO ORIGINATION OF THE LOAN; (XII) THE NAMES OF ALL PERSONS OR ENTITIES THAT OWNED THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, IF APPLICABLE, AND THE DATE OF EACH SALE OR TRANSFER; (XIII) A LOG OF ALL COLLECTION ATTEMPTS MADE IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS INCLUDING DATE AND TIME OF ALL CALLS AND LETTERS; (XIV) A STATEMENT AS TO WHETHER THE CREDITOR IS WILLING TO RE-NEGOTI- ATE THE TERMS OF THE DEBT; (XV) COPIES OF ALL SETTLEMENT LETTERS MADE IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS, OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, A STATEMENT THAT THE CREDITOR HAS NOT ATTEMPTED TO SETTLE OR OTHERWISE RENEGOTIATE THE DEBT PRIOR TO SUIT; (XVI) COPIES OF ALL COLLECTION LETTERS SENT TO THE BORROWER AND COSIG- NER SINCE INCEPTION OF THE LOAN; (XVII) DOCUMENTATION ESTABLISHING THAT THE CREDITOR IS THE OWNER OF THE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT ISSUE. IF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WAS ASSIGNED MORE THAN ONCE, THE CREDITOR MUST POSSESS EACH ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING EVIDENCING THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF THE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN TO ESTABLISH AN UNBROKEN CHAIN OF OWNERSHIP, BEGINNING WITH THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR TO THE FIRST SUBSEQUENT CREDITOR AND EACH ADDITIONAL CREDITOR. EACH ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING EVIDENCING TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OR THE RIGHT TO COLLECT S. 5136 9 MUST CONTAIN THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER (REDACTED FOR SECU- RITY PURPOSES TO SHOW ONLY THE LAST FOUR DIGITS) OF THE PRIVATE EDUCA- TION LOAN PURCHASED OR OTHERWISE ASSIGNED, THE DATE OF PURCHASE AND ASSIGNMENT, AND MUST CLEARLY SHOW THE BORROWER'S, AND IF APPLICABLE, COSIGNER'S CORRECT NAME ASSOCIATED WITH THE ORIGINAL ACCOUNT NUMBER. THE ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING ATTACHED SHALL BE THAT BY WHICH THE CREDITOR OR OTHER ASSIGNEE ACQUIRED THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, NOT A DOCUMENT PREPARED FOR LITIGATION; (XVIII) A COPY OF ALL PAGES OF THE CONTRACT, APPLICATION OR OTHER DOCUMENTS EVIDENCING THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER'S OR COSIGNER'S LIABILITY FOR THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, STATING ALL TERMS AND CONDI- TIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; (XIX) AN AFFIDAVIT STATING THAT THE COMMUNICATION REQUIRED IN SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED FIVE OF THE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW HAS BEEN COMPLIED WITH; (XX) A STATEMENT AS TO WHETHER THE DEBT IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN INCOME- BASED REPAYMENT PLAN FREE OF CHARGE TO THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER, EQUIV- ALENT TO THE REPAYMENT ARRANGEMENT ESTABLISHED FOR FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS UNDER ARTICLE IV OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT (20 USC 1078 ET. SEQ.); (XXI) A STATEMENT AS TO WHETHER THE DEBT IS A QUALIFIED EDUCATION LOAN AS DEFINED IN 26 U.S.C. § 221; AND (XXII) A SIGNED AFFIDAVIT OR AFFIDAVITS FROM EACH OF THE PREVIOUS OWNERS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN STATING WHEN THE PREVIOUS OWNER ACCELERATED THE LOAN FROM DELINQUENCY STATUS TO DEFAULT STATUS, OR IF APPLICABLE, THAT THE LOAN HAD NOT BEEN ACCELERATED AT THE TIME OF THE SALE; AND (2) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CREDITOR PERSONALLY REVIEWED THE INFORMA- TION SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBDIVISION FOR FACTUAL ACCURACY AND CONFIRMED THE FACTUAL ACCURACY OF THE ALLEGATIONS SET FORTH IN THE COMPLAINT AND ANY SUPPORTING AFFIDAVITS OR AFFIRMATIONS FILED WITH THE COURT, AS WELL AS THE ACCURACY OF THE NOTARIZATIONS CONTAINED IN THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FILED THEREWITH. (B) COPIES OF THE DOCUMENTATION IDENTIFIED IN SUBPARAGRAPHS (XVII), (XVIII) AND (XXII) OF PARAGRAPH ONE OF SUBDIVISION (A) OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION SEEKING A JUDGMENT ARISING FROM A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT. (C) AN ATTORNEY REPRESENTING A CREDITOR SEEKING A JUDGMENT ARISING FROM A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT SHALL ALSO SUBMIT A SWORN AFFIDAVIT CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: (1) THE APPLICABLE STATUTE OR STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS FOR THE CAUSE OR CAUSES OF ACTION ASSERTED BY THE CREDITOR FOR THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT; AND (2) A STATEMENT THAT BASED UPON COUNSEL'S REASONABLE INQUIRY, THE APPLICABLE STATUTE OR STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS FOR THE CAUSE OR CAUSES OF ACTION ASSERTED BY THE CREDITOR HAS NOT EXPIRED. (D) A JUDGE OR CLERK SHALL NOT GRANT OR ENTER A JUDGMENT ARISING FROM A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS DESCRIBED IN SUBDIVISIONS (A), (B), AND (C) OF THIS SECTION. (E) (1) UPON RECEIPT OF WRITTEN NOTICE PROVIDED BY A BORROWER OR COSIGNER, OR UPON NOTICE FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES ON BEHALF OF A GROUP OF BORROWERS, TO A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR STATING THAT THE CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR HAS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THIS SECTION, THE CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR SHALL: (I) PROVIDE PROOF OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION; OR (II) TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: 1. MOVE TO VACATE THE JUDGMENT; S. 5136 10 2. REFUND ALL MONIES PAID BY THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER AFTER THE JUDG- MENT WAS ENTERED; AND 3. TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO REMOVE ALL NEGATIVE CREDIT HISTORY FURNISHED AFTER DEFAULT. (2) IF A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR FAILS TO COMPLY WITH PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBDIVISION, THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER MAY BRING AN ACTION ON HIS OR HER OWN BEHALF OR ON BEHALF OF A SIMILARLY SITUATED CLASS OF PERSONS AGAINST THAT CREDITOR TO RECOVER OR OBTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: (I) AN ORDER SETTING ASIDE OR VACATING ANY JUDGMENT ENTERED AGAINST THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER; (II) A JUDGMENT IN FAVOR OF THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER; (III) ACTUAL DAMAGES, BUT IN NO CASE SHALL THE TOTAL AWARD OF DAMAGES BE LESS THAN FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS PER PERSON, PER VIOLATION; (IV) RESTITUTION OF ALL MONEYS TAKEN FROM OR PAID BY THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER AFTER A JUDGMENT WAS OBTAINED BY A CREDITOR; (V) PUNITIVE DAMAGES; (VI) CORRECTION OF THE BORROWER'S OR COSIGNER'S CREDIT REPORT; (VII) INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; AND (VIII) ANY OTHER RELIEF THAT THE COURT DEEMS PROPER. (3) IN THE CASE OF ANY SUCCESSFUL ACTION TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING LIABILITY, A PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER, CREDITOR, OR DEBT COLLECTOR IS LIABLE FOR THE COSTS OF THE ACTION, TOGETHER WITH REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES AS DETERMINED BY THE COURT. (4) IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER REMEDIES PROVIDED BY THIS SUBDIVISION OR OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY LAW, WHENEVER IT IS PROVEN BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE THAT A CREDITOR OR ATTORNEY REPRESENTING A CREDITOR FILED AN AFFIDAVIT REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION CONTAINING FALSE INFORMATION, THE COURT SHALL AWARD TREBLE ACTUAL DAMAGES TO THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER, BUT IN NO CASE SHALL THE AWARD OF DAMAGES BE LESS THAN ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS, PER PERSON, PER VIOLATION. (F) THE DEFINITIONS OF TERMS SET FORTH IN SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED OF THE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW SHALL APPLY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION. § 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Co-Sponsors
Robert Jackson
(D, WF) 31st Senate District
Roxanne J. Persaud
(D) 19th Senate District
S5136A - Details
S5136A - Sponsor Memo
BILL NUMBER: S5136A SPONSOR: THOMAS TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the general business law and the civil practice law and rules, in relation to protecting private education loan borrowers and cosigners PURPOSE GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: To extend long-term protections to private student loan borrowers. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Section one of the bill creates a new article in the general business law entitled "Private Education Loan Protections." The new article includes a section that provides definitions for "private education loan," "private education lender," "borrower," "cosigner," "original creditor," "creditor," "debt collector," and "higher education expense." Under this article, a private education lender is required to provide
all cosigner applicants information about the rights and responsibil- ities of being a cosigner of the loan. Additionally, a lender may not place any loan into default, or accelerate it for any reason, other than for missed payments. The new article also includes a section that requires debt collectors to disclose information about the debt in the first communication with the borrower or cosigner, and a section that requires creditors to have certain information in their possession before collecting or attempting to collect a private education loan debt. A borrower or cosigner can bring an action against a noncompliant credi- tor to recover or obtain actual damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees, correction of that person's credit report, injunctive relief, and any other relief the court deems proper. The Superintendent of Financial Services or the Attorney General may also bring an action. Section two of the bill adds a new section to the civil practice law and rules requiring attorneys representing creditors seeking a judgment to submit sworn affidavits attesting that their client has all of the information necessary to collect on the debt and that the statute of limitations on the debt has not expired. The creditor's attorney must provide the following documentation attached to the application when seeking a judgment: information that establishes that the creditor is the owner of the specific individual private education loan at issue; a copy of all pages of the contract and application; and a signed affida- vit from each of the previous owners of the private education loan stat- ing its default or acceleration status. If a borrower or cosigner sends written notice to a creditor or debt collector disputing the creditor's or debt collector's compliance with this section, the creditor or debt collector must prove compliance to the court or move to vacate the judgment, refund all money paid after the judgment was entered, and remove all negative credit history. If a creditor or debt collector fails to respond to a borrower's or cosigner's written notice, the borrower or cosigner can obtain an order vacating the judgment, a judgment in favor of the borrower or cosigner, actual damages, restitution, punitive damages, attorney's fees, correction of a credit report, injunctive relief, and any other relief deemed proper. If a creditor or attorney files an affidavit containing false informa- tion, the court must award treble damages. JUSTIFICATION: Borrowers with private education loans face a wide range of unique chal- lenges when managing student debt. These loans often have extremely high interest rates and no flexible or affordable repayment options, leaving borrowers with little recourse when faced with a financial shock or unemployment. When borrowers fall behind on this debt, they often face aggressive debt collection tactics and lawsuits, all without the benefit of the type of bankruptcy protection available to consumers with other types of debt. Law enforcement officials have brought significant federal and state litigation alleging predatory lending by the largest private education lenders and alleging abusive collections, robo-signing, and illegal pursuit of invalid debts by collectors, investors, and servicers. These cases expose significant, systemic flaws in the way the judicial system approaches private education loan debts-setting up the most vulnerable borrowers to face persistent financial distress in the decades ahead. As New York grapples with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, student debt remains a financial anchor for more than two million New Yorkers. The federal response to the pandemic has wholly ignored the plight of private student loan borrowers, leaving them to grapple with the predatory players that plague this sector of the student loan market. But where the federal government has failed, New York is stepping in. The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced, on April 7, 2020, that it negotiated with some of the largest private student loan companies to offer relief to as many as 300,000 New Yorkers struggling with private student loan debt. The proposed relief offered up to 90 days of deferment and protections from negative credit report- ing. However, this relief was only temporary and did not cover the entire student loan market. Private student loan companies and creditors have now resumed filing new lawsuits and continuing existing cases to recover past-due debts, despite tens of thousands of people still out of work or losing their jobs. Additionally, some of these companies submit false or misleading legal documents against the borrower to courts. It is clear that student loan borrowers need long-term solutions as New York works to recover from the pandemic. This legislation creates protections that would limit the economic exploitation of vulnerable borrowers by ensuring that borrowers are informed of any lender-speci- fied repayment options and by creating protections for new borrowers taking on debt. PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: New bill. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: None to the state. EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect immediately.
S5136A - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 5136--A 2021-2022 Regular Sessions I N S E N A T E February 24, 2021 ___________ Introduced by Sen. THOMAS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Consumer Protection -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee AN ACT to amend the general business law and the civil practice law and rules, in relation to protecting private education loan borrowers and cosigners THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The general business law is amended by adding a new article 42 to read as follows: ARTICLE 42 PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN PROTECTIONS SECTION 1100. DEFINITIONS. 1101. APPLICABILITY. 1102. EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS. 1103. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO COSIGNERS. 1104. PROHIBITION ON ACCELERATION OF PAYMENTS ON PRIVATE EDUCA- TION LOANS. 1105. REQUIRED COMMUNICATIONS. 1106. REQUIRED INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS. 1107. ENFORCEMENT. 1108. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1109. PENALTIES. § 1100. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE: 1. "PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN" MEANS AN EXTENSION OF CREDIT THAT: (A) IS NOT MADE, INSURED, OR GUARANTEED UNDER TITLE IV OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 ET SEQ.); EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD09464-04-1
S. 5136--A 2 (B) IS EXTENDED TO A CONSUMER EXPRESSLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, FOR HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE LOAN IS PROVIDED BY THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION THAT THE STUDENT ATTENDS; (C) DOES NOT INCLUDE OPEN-END CREDIT OR ANY LOAN THAT IS SECURED BY REAL PROPERTY OR A DWELLING; AND (D) DOES NOT INCLUDE AN EXTENSION OF CREDIT IN WHICH THE COVERED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IS THE CREDITOR IF: (I) THE TERM OF THE EXTENSION OF CREDIT IS NINETY DAYS OR LESS; OR (II) AN INTEREST RATE OR FINANCE CHARGE WILL NOT BE APPLIED TO THE CREDIT BALANCE AND THE TERM OF THE EXTENSION OF CREDIT IS ONE YEAR OR LESS, EVEN IF THE CREDIT IS PAYABLE IN MORE THAN FOUR INSTALLMENTS. 2. "PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER", EXCEPT AS EXEMPTED UNDER THIS ARTICLE, MEANS: (A) ANY PERSON OR ENTITY ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF SECURING, MAKING, OR EXTENDING PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS; OR (B) ANY HOLDER OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN. 3. "BORROWER" OR "PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER" MEANS A PERSON WHO HAS RECEIVED OR AGREED TO PAY A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN FOR HIS OR HER OWN EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES. 4. "COSIGNER" (A) MEANS: (I) ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO IS LIABLE FOR THE OBLIGATION OF ANOTHER WITHOUT COMPENSATION, REGARDLESS OF HOW DESIGNATED IN THE CONTRACT OR INSTRUMENT WITH RESPECT TO THAT OBLIGATION, INCLUDING AN OBLIGATION UNDER A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN EXTENDED TO CONSOLIDATE A BORROWER'S PRE-EXISTING PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS; AND (II) INCLUDES ANY PERSON THE SIGNATURE OF WHICH IS REQUESTED AS CONDI- TION TO GRANT CREDIT OR TO FORBEAR ON COLLECTION; (B) DOES NOT INCLUDE A SPOUSE OF AN INDIVIDUAL DESCRIBED IN SUBPARA- GRAPH (I) OF PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION, THE SIGNATURE OF WHOM IS NEEDED TO PERFECT THE SECURITY INTEREST IN A LOAN. 5. "ORIGINAL CREDITOR" MEANS THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER IDENTIFIED IN A PROMISSORY NOTE, LOAN AGREEMENT, OR LOAN CONTRACT ENTERED INTO WITH A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER OR COSIGNER. 6. "CREDITOR" MEANS: (A) THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR, WHERE OWNERSHIP OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT HAS NOT BEEN SOLD, ASSIGNED, OR TRANSFERRED; (B) THE PERSON OR ENTITY THAT OWNED THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT AT THE TIME THE DEBT BECAME DELINQUENT OR DEFAULTED, EVEN IF THAT PERSON OR ENTITY DID NOT ORIGINATE THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, AND WHERE SUCH A DEBT HAS NOT SUBSEQUENTLY BEEN SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED; OR (C) A PERSON OR ENTITY THAT PURCHASED A DELINQUENT OR DEFAULTED PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT FOR COLLECTION PURPOSES, WHETHER IT COLLECTS THE DEBT ITSELF, HIRES A THIRD PARTY FOR COLLECTION, OR HIRES AN ATTOR- NEY FOR COLLECTION LITIGATION. 7. "DEBT COLLECTOR" MEANS ANY PERSON WHO REGULARLY COLLECTS OR ATTEMPTS TO COLLECT, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, CONSUMER DEBTS ORIGINALLY OWED OR DUE OR ASSERTED TO BE OWED OR DUE ANOTHER. THE TERM DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF A CREDITOR WHO, IN THE NAME OF THE CREDITOR, COLLECTS DEBTS FOR SUCH CREDITOR, BUT IT DOES INCLUDE ANY CREDITOR WHO, IN THE PROCESS OF COLLECTING ITS OWN DEBTS, USES ANY NAME OTHER THAN ITS OWN WHICH WOULD INDICATE THAT A THIRD PERSON IS COLLECT- ING OR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT SUCH DEBTS. 8. "HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSE" MEANS ANY EXPENSE ARISING FROM HIGHER EDUCATION, AS DEFINED IN SECTION TWO OF THE EDUCATION LAW, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION IS ACCREDITED WITHIN NEW YORK STATE. S. 5136--A 3 § 1101. APPLICABILITY. 1. ANY PERSON OR ENTITY THAT ENTERS INTO A CONTRACT OR SUBCONTRACT WITH A PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER OR SERVICER TO PERFORM THE SERVICING OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN MUST FULFILL THE OBLI- GATIONS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER UNDER THIS ARTICLE. 2. ANY PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER AS DESCRIBED IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED OF THIS ARTICLE BE JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY LIABLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF THE ENTITY OR PERSON IN FULFILLING THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL LENDER OR SERVICER UNDER THIS ARTICLE. § 1102. EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS. THE FOLLOWING SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE ONLY TO THE EXTENT THAT STATE REGULATION IS PREEMPTED BY FEDERAL LAW: 1. ANY BANKING ORGANIZATION, FOREIGN BANKING CORPORATION, NATIONAL BANK, FEDERAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR ANY BANK, TRUST COMPANY, SAVINGS BANK, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, OR CREDIT UNION ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER STATE; AND 2. ANY SUBSIDIARY OF SUCH ENTITIES SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION. § 1103. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO COSIGNERS. 1. (A) PRIOR TO THE ORIGI- NATION OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER SHALL PROVIDE TO ALL COSIGNER APPLICANTS INFORMATION ABOUT THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COSIGNER OF THE LOAN, INCLUDING: (I) INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN OBLIGATION WILL APPEAR ON THE COSIGNER'S CREDIT; (II) INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THE COSIGNER WILL BE NOTIFIED IF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BECOMES DELINQUENT, INCLUDING HOW THE COSIGNER CAN CURE THE DELINQUENCY IN ORDER TO AVOID NEGATIVE CREDIT FURNISHING AND LOSS OF COSIGNER RELEASE ELIGIBILITY; AND (III) INFORMATION ABOUT ELIGIBILITY FOR RELEASE OF THE COSIGNER'S OBLIGATION ON THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, INCLUDING NUMBER OF ON-TIME PAYMENTS AND ANY OTHER CRITERIA REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE RELEASE OF COSIGNER FROM THE LOAN OBLIGATION. (B) LENDERS SHALL SEND BORROWERS AND COSIGNERS ANNUAL WRITTEN NOTICES CONTAINING INFORMATION ABOUT COSIGNER RELEASE, INCLUDING CRITERIA THE LENDER REQUIRES TO APPROVE THE RELEASE OF COSIGNER FROM THE LOAN OBLI- GATION AND THE PROCESS FOR APPLYING FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. (C) ONCE THE BORROWER HAS MET THE APPLICABLE CONSECUTIVE ON-TIME PAYMENT REQUIREMENT TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, THE LENDER SHALL SEND THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER A WRITTEN NOTIFICATION BY U.S. MAIL AND BY ELECTRONIC MAIL, WHERE A BORROWER HAS ELECTED TO RECEIVE ELEC- TRONIC COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE LENDER, INFORMING THE BORROWER AND COSIG- NER THAT HE OR SHE HAS MET THE APPLICABLE CONSECUTIVE, ON-TIME PAYMENTS REQUIREMENT TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. THE NOTIFICATION SHALL ALSO INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY ADDITIONAL CRITERIA TO QUALIFY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, AND THE PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. (D) LENDERS SHALL PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS TO ANY BORROWER WHO APPLIES FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, BUT WHOSE APPLICATION IS INCOMPLETE. THE WRITTEN NOTICE MUST INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE INFOR- MATION NEEDED TO CONSIDER THE APPLICATION COMPLETE AND THE DATE BY WHICH THE APPLICANT SHOULD FURNISH THE MISSING INFORMATION. (E) AFTER A BORROWER SUBMITS A COMPLETE APPLICATION FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, WITHIN THIRTY DAYS, THE LENDER SHALL SEND THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER A WRITTEN NOTICE THAT INFORMS THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER WHETHER THE COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATION HAS BEEN APPROVED OR DENIED. IF THE LENDER DENIES A REQUEST FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, THE LENDER SHALL INFORM THE BORROWER OF HIS OR HER RIGHT TO REQUEST ALL DOCUMENTS AND INFORMA- TION USED IN THE DETERMINATION, INCLUDING THE CREDIT SCORE THRESHOLD S. 5136--A 4 USED BY THE LENDER, THE BORROWER'S CONSUMER REPORT, THE BORROWER'S CRED- IT SCORE, AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS SPECIFIC TO THE BORROWER. THE LENDER MUST ALSO PROVIDE ANY ADVERSE ACTION NOTICES REQUIRED UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW IF THE DENIAL IS BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON ANY INFORMA- TION CONTAINED IN A CONSUMER REPORT. 2. (A) IN RESPONSE TO ANY WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, LENDERS SHALL SEND THE INFORMATION DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION. (B) LENDERS SHALL NOT IMPOSE ANY RESTRICTIONS THAT MAY PERMANENTLY BAR A BORROWER FROM QUALIFYING FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, INCLUDING RESTRICTING THE NUMBER OF TIMES A BORROWER MAY APPLY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. (C) LENDERS SHALL NOT IMPOSE ANY NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES ON ANY BORROWER OR COSIGNER DURING THE SIXTY DAYS FOLLOWING THE ISSUANCE OF THE NOTICE REQUIRED UNDER PARAGRAPH (D) OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION, OR UNTIL THE LENDER MAKES A FINAL DETERMINATION ABOUT A BORROWER'S COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATION. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS PARAGRAPH, "NEGATIVE CONSE- QUENCES" INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPOSITION OF ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, NEGATIVE CREDIT REPORTING, LOST ELIGIBILITY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, LATE FEES, INTEREST CAPITALIZATION, OR OTHER FINANCIAL INJURY. (D) LENDERS SHALL NOT REQUIRE GREATER THAN TWELVE CONSECUTIVE, ON-TIME PAYMENTS AS CRITERIA TO APPLY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. ANY BORROWER WHO HAS PAID THE EQUIVALENT OF TWELVE MONTHS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST PAYMENTS WITHIN ANY TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE SATISFIED THE CONSECUTIVE, ON-TIME PAYMENT REQUIREMENT, EVEN IF THE BORROWER HAS NOT MADE PAYMENTS MONTHLY DURING THE TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD. (E) IF A BORROWER OR COSIGNER REQUESTS A CHANGE THAT RESTARTS THE COUNT OF CONSECUTIVE, ON-TIME PAYMENTS REQUIRED FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, THE LENDER SHALL NOTIFY THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER IN WRITING WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE IMPACT OF SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT AND PROVIDE THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW OR REVERSE THE REQUEST TO AVOID SUCH IMPACT. (F) THE BORROWER HAS THE RIGHT TO REQUEST AN APPEAL OF A LENDER'S DETERMINATION TO DENY THE COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATION WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF RECEIVING THE LENDER'S DETERMINATION, AND THE LENDER SHALL PERMIT SUCH BORROWER TO SUBMIT ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION EVIDENCING THAT THE BORROWER HAS THE ABILITY, WILLINGNESS, AND STABILITY TO HANDLE HIS OR HER PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS. THE BORROWER MAY REQUEST REVIEW OF THE COSIGNER RELEASE DETERMINATION BY ANOTHER EMPLOYEE. THE LENDER SHALL INFORM THE BORROWER OF THIS RIGHT IN A CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS MANNER ON THE NOTICE DENYING THE COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATION. (G) A LENDER MUST ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A COMPREHENSIVE RECORD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REASONABLY DESIGNED TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY, INTEGRITY, AND COMPLETENESS OF DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATIONS. THIS SYSTEM SHALL INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, THE APPROVAL AND DENIAL RATE, AND THE PRIMARY REASONS FOR ANY DENIAL. (H) IF A COSIGNER HAS A TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY, AS DETERMINED BY ANY FEDERAL AGENCY, STATE AGENCY, OR PHYSICIAN OR DOCTOR OF OSTEOPA- THY LEGALLY AUTHORIZED TO PRACTICE IN THIS STATE, THE LENDER SHALL RELEASE THE COSIGNER FROM THE COSIGNER'S OBLIGATION TO REPAY THE LOAN UPON RECEIVING A NOTIFICATION OF THE COSIGNER'S TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY. THE LENDER SHALL NOT REQUIRE A NEW COSIGNER TO BE ADDED TO THE LOAN AFTER THE ORIGINAL COSIGNER HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM THE LOAN. S. 5136--A 5 3. (A) A LENDER SHALL PROVIDE A COSIGNER OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WITH ACCESS TO ALL DOCUMENTS OR RECORDS RELATED TO THE COSIGNED PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THE BORROWER; (B) IF A LENDER PROVIDES ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS FOR A BORROWER, IT SHALL PROVIDE EQUIVALENT ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO THE COSIGNER; AND (C) UPON RECEIVING NOTICE FROM THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER, THE LENDER SHALL REDACT THE CONTACT INFORMATION OF THE OTHER PARTY. § 1104. PROHIBITION ON ACCELERATION OF PAYMENTS ON PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS. 1. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION, A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN EXECUTED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ARTICLE MAY NOT INCLUDE A PROVISION THAT PERMITS THE PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL LENDER TO ACCELERATE, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, PAYMENTS ON THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN. 2. A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN MAY INCLUDE A PROVISION THAT PERMITS ACCELERATION OF THE LOAN IN CASES OF PAYMENT DEFAULT. 3. A LENDER SHALL NOT PLACE ANY LOAN OR ACCOUNT INTO DEFAULT OR ACCEL- ERATE A LOAN FOR ANY REASON, OTHER THAN FOR FAILURE TO PAY. 4. (A) IN THE EVENT OF THE DEATH OF A COSIGNER, A LENDER SHALL NOT ATTEMPT TO COLLECT AGAINST THE COSIGNER'S ESTATE, OTHER THAN FOR FAILURE TO PAY. (B) UPON RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF THE DEATH OR BANKRUPTCY OF A COSIG- NER, WHEN THE LOAN IS NOT MORE THAN SIXTY DAYS DELINQUENT AT THE TIME OF THE NOTIFICATION, A LENDER SHALL NOT CHANGE ANY TERMS OR BENEFITS UNDER THE PROMISSORY NOTE, REPAYMENT SCHEDULE, REPAYMENT TERMS, OR MONTHLY PAYMENT AMOUNT OR ANY OTHER PROVISION ASSOCIATED WITH THE LOAN. (C) A LENDER SHALL NOT PLACE ANY LOAN OR ACCOUNT INTO DEFAULT OR ACCELERATE A LOAN FOR ANY REASON, OTHER THAN FOR FAILURE TO PAY. § 1105. REQUIRED COMMUNICATIONS. IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER INFORMATION REQUIRED UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE LAW, A DEBT COLLECTOR SHALL PROVIDE IN THE FIRST DEBT COLLECTION COMMUNICATION WITH THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER OR COSIGNER AND AT ANY OTHER TIME THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER REQUESTS SUCH DOCUMENTATION: 1. THE NAME OF THE OWNER OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT; 2. THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S NAME AT THE TIME OF SALE OF THE LOAN, IF APPLICABLE; 3. THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER USED TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT AT THE TIME OF SALE, IF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR USED AN ACCOUNT NUMBER TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT AT THE TIME OF SALE; 4. THE AMOUNT DUE AT THE TIME OF DEFAULT OR THE AMOUNT DUE TO BRING THE LOAN CURRENT IF THE LOAN IS DELINQUENT; 5. A SCHEDULE OF ALL TRANSACTIONS CREDITED OR DEBITED TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN ACCOUNT; 6. A COPY OF ALL PAGES OF THE CONTRACT, APPLICATION OR OTHER DOCUMENTS EVIDENCING THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER'S OR COSIGNER'S LIABILITY FOR THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, STATING ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLI- CABLE TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; AND 7. A CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS STATEMENT DISCLOSING THAT THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER HAS A RIGHT TO REQUEST ALL INFORMATION POSSESSED BY THE CREDI- TOR RELATED TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE REQUIRED INFORMATION DESCRIBED IN SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED SIX OF THIS ARTICLE. § 1106. REQUIRED INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS. A CREDITOR MAY NOT COLLECT OR ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A PRIVATE S. 5136--A 6 EDUCATION LOAN DEBT UNLESS THE CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR POSSESSES THE FOLLOWING: 1. THE NAME OF THE OWNER OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; 2. THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S NAME AT THE TIME OF SALE OF THE LOAN OR DEFAULT, IF APPLICABLE; 3. THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER USED TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT THE TIME OF SALE OR DEFAULT, IF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR USED AN ACCOUNT NUMBER TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT THE TIME OF SALE OR DEFAULT; 4. THE AMOUNT DUE AT THE TIME OF SALE, OR AT DEFAULT, OR, IF THE LOAN IS DELINQUENT, TO BRING THE LOAN CURRENT; 5. A SCHEDULE OF ALL TRANSACTIONS CREDITED OR DEBITED TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN ACCOUNT; 6. AN ITEMIZATION OF INTEREST AND FEES, IF ANY, CLAIMED TO BE OWED AND WHETHER THOSE WERE IMPOSED BY THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR OR ANY SUBSEQUENT OWNERS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; 7. THE DATE THAT THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WAS INCURRED; 8. A BILLING STATEMENT OR OTHER ACCOUNT RECORD INDICATING THE DATE OF THE FIRST PARTIAL PAYMENT AND/OR THE FIRST DAY THAT A PAYMENT WAS MISSED, WHICHEVER IS EARLIER; 9. A BILLING STATEMENT OR OTHER ACCOUNT RECORD INDICATING THE DATE OF THE LAST PAYMENT MADE BY THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER, IF APPLICABLE; 10. ANY PAYMENTS, SETTLEMENT, OR FINANCIAL REMUNERATION OF ANY KIND PAID TO THE CREDITOR BY A GUARANTOR, COSIGNER, OR SURETY, AND THE AMOUNT OF PAYMENT RECEIVED; 11. A COPY OF THE SELF-CERTIFICATION FORM AND ANY OTHER "NEEDS ANALY- SIS" CONDUCTED BY THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR PRIOR TO ORIGINATION OF THE LOAN; 12. THE NAMES OF ALL PERSONS OR ENTITIES THAT OWNED THE PRIVATE EDUCA- TION LOAN AFTER IT BECAME DELINQUENT OR WENT INTO DEFAULT, IF APPLICA- BLE, AND THE DATE OF EACH SALE OR TRANSFER; 13. A LOG OF ALL COLLECTION ATTEMPTS MADE IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS INCLUDING DATE AND TIME OF ALL CALLS AND LETTERS; 14. COPIES OF ALL SETTLEMENT LETTERS MADE IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS, OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, A STATEMENT THAT THE CREDITOR HAS NOT ATTEMPTED TO SETTLE OR OTHERWISE RENEGOTIATE THE DEBT PRIOR TO SUIT; 15. COPIES OF ALL COLLECTION LETTERS SENT TO THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER SINCE INCEPTION OF THE LOAN; 16. DOCUMENTATION ESTABLISHING THAT THE CREDITOR IS THE OWNER OF THE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT ISSUE. IF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WAS ASSIGNED MORE THAN ONCE, THE CREDITOR MUST POSSESS EACH ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING EVIDENCING THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF THE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN TO ESTABLISH AN UNBROKEN CHAIN OF OWNERSHIP, BEGINNING WITH THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR TO THE FIRST SUBSEQUENT CREDITOR AND EACH ADDITIONAL CREDITOR. EACH ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING EVIDENCING TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OR THE RIGHT TO COLLECT MUST CONTAIN THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER (REDACTED FOR SECU- RITY PURPOSES TO SHOW ONLY THE LAST FOUR DIGITS) OF THE PRIVATE EDUCA- TION LOAN PURCHASED OR OTHERWISE ASSIGNED, THE DATE OF PURCHASE AND ASSIGNMENT, AND MUST CLEARLY SHOW THE BORROWER'S, AND IF APPLICABLE, COSIGNER'S CORRECT NAME ASSOCIATED WITH THE ORIGINAL ACCOUNT NUMBER. THE ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING ATTACHED SHALL BE THAT BY WHICH THE CREDITOR OR OTHER ASSIGNEE ACQUIRED THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, NOT A DOCUMENT PREPARED FOR LITIGATION OR COLLECTION PURPOSES; 17. A COPY OF ALL PAGES OF THE CONTRACT, APPLICATION OR OTHER DOCU- MENTS EVIDENCING THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER'S, AND IF APPLICA- S. 5136--A 7 BLE, COSIGNER'S LIABILITY FOR THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, STATING ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; AND 18. A SIGNED AFFIDAVIT OR AFFIDAVITS FROM EACH OF THE PREVIOUS OWNERS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN REGARDING WHEN THE PREVIOUS OWNER ACCELER- ATED THE LOAN FROM DELINQUENCY STATUS TO DEFAULT STATUS, OR IF APPLICA- BLE, A STATEMENT THAT NO SUCH ACCELERATION OCCURRED. § 1107. ENFORCEMENT. 1. ALL PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDERS, CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS SHALL COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE. 2. ANY BORROWER OR COSIGNER WHO SUFFERS DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER, CREDITOR, OR DEBT COLLECTOR COVERED BY THE PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE MAY BRING AN ACTION ON THEIR OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF A SIMILARLY SITUATED CLASS OF CONSUMERS AGAINST THAT PERSON TO RECOVER OR OBTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: (A) ACTUAL DAMAGES, BUT IN NO CASE SHALL THE TOTAL AWARD OF DAMAGES BE LESS THAN FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS PER PERSON, PER VIOLATION. (B) PUNITIVE DAMAGES. (C) CORRECTION OF THAT PERSON'S CREDIT REPORT. (D) INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. (E) ANY OTHER RELIEF THAT THE COURT DEEMS PROPER. 3. IN THE CASE OF ANY SUCCESSFUL ACTION TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING LIABILITY, A PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER, CREDITOR, OR DEBT COLLECTOR IS LIABLE FOR THE COSTS OF THE ACTION, TOGETHER WITH REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES AS DETERMINED BY THE COURT. 4. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF ANY COUNTY MAY BRING AN ACTION IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE TO RESTRAIN OR PREVENT ANY VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE OR ANY CONTINUANCE OF ANY SUCH VIOLATION. 5. NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL LIMIT ANY STATUTORY OR COMMON LAW RIGHT OF ANY PERSON TO BRING ANY ACTION IN ANY COURT FOR ANY ACT, OR THE RIGHT OF THE STATE TO PUNISH ANY PERSON FOR ANY VIOLATION OF ANY LAW. § 1108. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1. IN ADDITION TO SUCH POWERS AS MAY OTHERWISE BE PRESCRIBED BY THIS CHAPTER, THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED TO PROMULGATE SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE, OR APPROPRIATE FOR THE EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS ARTICLE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: (A) SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACTIVITIES OF PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDERS, CREDITORS, AND DEBT COLLECTORS AS MAY BE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE FOR THE PROTECTION OF BORROWERS IN THIS STATE; (B) SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY BE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE TO DEFINE UNFAIR, DECEPTIVE OR ABUSIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACTIVITIES OF PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDERS, CREDITORS, AND DEBT COLLEC- TORS; (C) SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY DEFINE THE TERMS USED IN THIS ARTICLE AND AS MAY BE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE TO INTERPRET AND IMPLE- MENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE; AND (D) SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS ARTICLE. 2. THE SUPERINTENDENT IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED TO MAKE SUCH SPECIFIC RULINGS, DEMANDS AND FINDINGS AS THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY DEEM NECESSARY FOR THE PROPER CONDUCT OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN INDUSTRY. § 1109. PENALTIES. IN ADDITION TO SUCH PENALTIES AS MAY OTHERWISE BE APPLICABLE BY LAW, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE PENALTIES AVAILABLE UNDER SECTION FORTY-FOUR OF THE BANKING LAW, THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES MAY, AFTER NOTICE AND A HEARING, OR UPON A FINDING OF A VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE IN A CIVIL ACTION BROUGHT BY THE ATTORNEY S. 5136--A 8 GENERAL, REQUIRE ANY PERSON FOUND VIOLATING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTI- CLE OR THE RULES OR REGULATIONS PROMULGATED HEREUNDER TO PAY TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS STATE A PENALTY FOR EACH VIOLATION OF THE ARTICLE OR ANY REGULATION OR POLICY PROMULGATED HEREUNDER A SUM NOT TO EXCEED THE GREATER OF (I) TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH OFFENSE; (II) A MULTIPLE OF TWO TIMES THE AGGREGATE DAMAGES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE VIOLATION; OR (III) A MULTIPLE OF TWO TIMES THE AGGREGATE ECONOMIC GAIN ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE VIOLATION. § 2. The civil practice law and rules is amended by adding a new section 3012-c to read as follows: § 3012-C. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO JUDGMENTS AGAINST PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWERS OR COSIGNERS. (A) IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY THIS CHAPTER, AN ATTORNEY REPRESENTING A CREDITOR SEEKING A JUDGMENT ARISING FROM A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT, SHALL SUBMIT A SWORN AFFIDAVIT ATTESTING THAT: (1) THE CREDITOR HAS IN ITS POSSESSION THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: (I) THE NAME OF THE OWNER OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; (II) THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S NAME AT THE TIME THE LOAN WAS PURCHASED, AND/OR THE LOAN WENT INTO DEFAULT, IF APPLICABLE; (III) THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER USED TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WHEN THE LOAN WAS SOLD AND/OR AT THE TIME OF DEFAULT, IF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR USED AN ACCOUNT NUMBER TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT THE TIME OF SALE AND/OR DEFAULT; (IV) THE AMOUNT DUE AT THE TIME THE LOAN WAS SOLD BY THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR AND/OR AT THE TIME OF DEFAULT; (V) A SCHEDULE OF ALL TRANSACTIONS CREDITED OR DEBITED TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN ACCOUNT; (VI) AN ITEMIZATION OF INTEREST AND FEES, IF ANY, CLAIMED TO BE OWED AND WHETHER THOSE WERE IMPOSED BY THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR OR ANY SUBSE- QUENT OWNERS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; (VII) THE DATE THAT THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WAS INCURRED; (VIII) THE DATE OF THE FIRST PARTIAL PAYMENT AND/OR THE FIRST DAY THAT A PAYMENT WAS MISSED, WHICHEVER IS EARLIER; (IX) THE DATE AND AMOUNT OF THE LAST PAYMENT, IF APPLICABLE; (X) ANY PAYMENTS, SETTLEMENT, OR FINANCIAL REMUNERATION OF ANY KIND PAID TO THE CREDITOR BY A GUARANTOR, COSIGNER, OR SURETY, AND THE AMOUNT OF PAYMENT RECEIVED; (XI) A COPY OF THE SELF-CERTIFICATION FORM AND ANY OTHER "NEEDS ANALY- SIS" CONDUCTED BY THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR PRIOR TO ORIGINATION OF THE LOAN; (XII) THE NAMES OF ALL PERSONS OR ENTITIES THAT OWNED THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, IF APPLICABLE, AND THE DATE OF EACH SALE OR TRANSFER; (XIII) A LOG OF ALL COLLECTION ATTEMPTS MADE IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS INCLUDING DATE AND TIME OF ALL CALLS AND LETTERS; (XIV) A STATEMENT AS TO WHETHER THE CREDITOR IS WILLING TO RE-NEGOTI- ATE THE TERMS OF THE DEBT; (XV) COPIES OF ALL SETTLEMENT LETTERS MADE IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS, OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, A STATEMENT THAT THE CREDITOR HAS NOT ATTEMPTED TO SETTLE OR OTHERWISE RENEGOTIATE THE DEBT PRIOR TO SUIT; (XVI) COPIES OF ALL COLLECTION LETTERS SENT TO THE BORROWER AND COSIG- NER SINCE INCEPTION OF THE LOAN; (XVII) DOCUMENTATION ESTABLISHING THAT THE CREDITOR IS THE OWNER OF THE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT ISSUE. IF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WAS ASSIGNED MORE THAN ONCE, THE CREDITOR MUST POSSESS EACH ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING EVIDENCING THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF THE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN TO ESTABLISH AN UNBROKEN S. 5136--A 9 CHAIN OF OWNERSHIP, BEGINNING WITH THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR TO THE FIRST SUBSEQUENT CREDITOR AND EACH ADDITIONAL CREDITOR. EACH ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING EVIDENCING TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OR THE RIGHT TO COLLECT MUST CONTAIN THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER (REDACTED FOR SECU- RITY PURPOSES TO SHOW ONLY THE LAST FOUR DIGITS) OF THE PRIVATE EDUCA- TION LOAN PURCHASED OR OTHERWISE ASSIGNED, THE DATE OF PURCHASE AND ASSIGNMENT, AND MUST CLEARLY SHOW THE BORROWER'S, AND IF APPLICABLE, COSIGNER'S CORRECT NAME ASSOCIATED WITH THE ORIGINAL ACCOUNT NUMBER. THE ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING ATTACHED SHALL BE THAT BY WHICH THE CREDITOR OR OTHER ASSIGNEE ACQUIRED THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, NOT A DOCUMENT PREPARED FOR LITIGATION; (XVIII) A COPY OF ALL PAGES OF THE CONTRACT, APPLICATION OR OTHER DOCUMENTS EVIDENCING THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER'S OR COSIGNER'S LIABILITY FOR THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, STATING ALL TERMS AND CONDI- TIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; (XIX) AN AFFIDAVIT STATING THAT THE COMMUNICATION REQUIRED IN SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED FIVE OF THE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW HAS BEEN COMPLIED WITH; (XX) A STATEMENT AS TO WHETHER THE DEBT IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN INCOME- BASED REPAYMENT PLAN FREE OF CHARGE TO THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER, EQUIV- ALENT TO THE REPAYMENT ARRANGEMENT ESTABLISHED FOR FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS UNDER ARTICLE IV OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT (20 USC 1078 ET. SEQ.); (XXI) A STATEMENT AS TO WHETHER THE DEBT IS A QUALIFIED EDUCATION LOAN AS DEFINED IN 26 U.S.C. § 221; AND (XXII) A SIGNED AFFIDAVIT OR AFFIDAVITS FROM EACH OF THE PREVIOUS OWNERS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN STATING WHEN THE PREVIOUS OWNER ACCELERATED THE LOAN FROM DELINQUENCY STATUS TO DEFAULT STATUS, OR IF APPLICABLE, THAT THE LOAN HAD NOT BEEN ACCELERATED AT THE TIME OF THE SALE; AND (2) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CREDITOR PERSONALLY REVIEWED THE INFORMA- TION SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBDIVISION FOR FACTUAL ACCURACY AND CONFIRMED THE FACTUAL ACCURACY OF THE ALLEGATIONS SET FORTH IN THE COMPLAINT AND ANY SUPPORTING AFFIDAVITS OR AFFIRMATIONS FILED WITH THE COURT, AS WELL AS THE ACCURACY OF THE NOTARIZATIONS CONTAINED IN THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FILED THEREWITH. (B) COPIES OF THE DOCUMENTATION IDENTIFIED IN SUBPARAGRAPHS (XVII), (XVIII) AND (XXII) OF PARAGRAPH ONE OF SUBDIVISION (A) OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION SEEKING A JUDGMENT ARISING FROM A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT. (C) AN ATTORNEY REPRESENTING A CREDITOR SEEKING A JUDGMENT ARISING FROM A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT SHALL ALSO SUBMIT A SWORN AFFIDAVIT CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: (1) THE APPLICABLE STATUTE OR STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS FOR THE CAUSE OR CAUSES OF ACTION ASSERTED BY THE CREDITOR FOR THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT; AND (2) A STATEMENT THAT BASED UPON COUNSEL'S REASONABLE INQUIRY, THE APPLICABLE STATUTE OR STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS FOR THE CAUSE OR CAUSES OF ACTION ASSERTED BY THE CREDITOR HAS NOT EXPIRED. (D) A JUDGE OR CLERK SHALL NOT GRANT OR ENTER A JUDGMENT ARISING FROM A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS DESCRIBED IN SUBDIVISIONS (A), (B), AND (C) OF THIS SECTION. (E) (1) UPON RECEIPT OF WRITTEN NOTICE PROVIDED BY A BORROWER OR COSIGNER, OR UPON NOTICE FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES ON BEHALF OF A GROUP OF BORROWERS, TO A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR STATING THAT THE CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR HAS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THIS SECTION, THE CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR SHALL: S. 5136--A 10 (I) PROVIDE PROOF OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION; OR (II) TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: 1. MOVE TO VACATE THE JUDGMENT; 2. REFUND ALL MONIES PAID BY THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER AFTER THE JUDG- MENT WAS ENTERED; AND 3. TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO REMOVE ALL NEGATIVE CREDIT HISTORY FURNISHED AFTER DEFAULT. (2) IF A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR FAILS TO COMPLY WITH PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBDIVISION, THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER MAY BRING AN ACTION ON HIS OR HER OWN BEHALF OR ON BEHALF OF A SIMILARLY SITUATED CLASS OF PERSONS AGAINST THAT CREDITOR TO RECOVER OR OBTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: (I) AN ORDER SETTING ASIDE OR VACATING ANY JUDGMENT ENTERED AGAINST THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER; (II) A JUDGMENT IN FAVOR OF THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER; (III) ACTUAL DAMAGES, BUT IN NO CASE SHALL THE TOTAL AWARD OF DAMAGES BE LESS THAN FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS PER PERSON, PER VIOLATION; (IV) RESTITUTION OF ALL MONEYS TAKEN FROM OR PAID BY THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER AFTER A JUDGMENT WAS OBTAINED BY A CREDITOR; (V) PUNITIVE DAMAGES; (VI) CORRECTION OF THE BORROWER'S OR COSIGNER'S CREDIT REPORT; (VII) INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; AND (VIII) ANY OTHER RELIEF THAT THE COURT DEEMS PROPER. (3) IN THE CASE OF ANY SUCCESSFUL ACTION TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING LIABILITY, A PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER, CREDITOR, OR DEBT COLLECTOR IS LIABLE FOR THE COSTS OF THE ACTION, TOGETHER WITH REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES AS DETERMINED BY THE COURT. (4) IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER REMEDIES PROVIDED BY THIS SUBDIVISION OR OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY LAW, WHENEVER IT IS PROVEN BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE THAT A CREDITOR OR ATTORNEY REPRESENTING A CREDITOR FILED AN AFFIDAVIT REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION CONTAINING FALSE INFORMATION, THE COURT SHALL AWARD TREBLE ACTUAL DAMAGES TO THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER, BUT IN NO CASE SHALL THE AWARD OF DAMAGES BE LESS THAN ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS, PER PERSON, PER VIOLATION. (F) THE DEFINITIONS OF TERMS SET FORTH IN SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED OF THE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW SHALL APPLY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION. § 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Co-Sponsors
Joseph P. Addabbo Jr
(D) 15th Senate District
James Gaughran
(D) 0 Senate District
Robert Jackson
(D, WF) 31st Senate District
Roxanne J. Persaud
(D) 19th Senate District
S5136B (ACTIVE) - Details
S5136B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo
BILL NUMBER: S5136B SPONSOR: THOMAS TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the general business law and the civil practice law and rules, in relation to protecting private education loan borrowers and cosigners PURPOSE GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: To extend long-term protections to private student loan borrowers. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Section one of the bill creates a new article 42 in the general business law entitled "Private Education Loan Protections." Section 1100 of the new article includes definitions for "private educa- tion loan," "private education lender," "borrower," "cosigner," "original creditor," "creditor," "debt collector," and "higher education expense."
Section 1101 of the new article states the applicability of this article to private education lenders and any person or entity that contracts with a private education lender or servicer to service the loan. Section 1102 of the new article exempts banks, credit unions, and their subsidiaries from the obligations of this article to the extent that state regulation is preempted by federal law. Section 1103 of the new article lists the provisions applicable to cosigners. Lenders will need to provide cosigner applicants information about their rights, annual notices regarding cosigner release, notifica- tion when borrower and cosigner have met the requirements for cosigner release, and timely notification if borrower has submitted an incomplete application for cosigner release or if borrower and cosigner have been approved or denied for cosigner release. Lenders shall not impose any restrictions that permanently bar a borrower from qualifying from cosig- ner release. The borrower has the right to request an appeal of a lend- er's determination to deny the cosigner release. The lender must provide the cosigner with access to all documents and records related to the cosigned private education loan. Section 1104 of the new article prohibits the acceleration of payments on a private education loan. Section 1105 of the new article requires that in the first debt collection communication, the creditor or debt collector must provide certain information to the borrower or cosigner including the name of the owner of the private education loan debt, the original creditor's name and account number, and the total outstanding amount owed. Other documents include a schedule of all transactions to the account and a copy of all pages of the contract. Section 1106 requires creditors and debt collectors to have certain information related to the private education loan debt in their possession prior to collecting or attempting to collect the private education loan debt. Section 1007 of the new article states that all private education lend- ers, creditors, and debt collectors shall comply with the provisions of this article. A borrower or cosigner can bring an action against a noncompliant creditor to recover or obtain actual damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees, correction of that person's credit report, injunctive relief, and any other relief the court deems proper. A borrower or cosigner may seek the same relief described above, as well as a court order vacating any judgment entered in violation of those new requirements, for any violation of the new civil practice law and rules requirements provided by section three of this bill. Additionally, if a creditor or attorney files an affidavit containing false information, the court must award treble damages. The Superintendent of Financial Services or the Attorney General may also bring an action. Section 1108 of the new article authorizes the superintendent of finan- cial services to promulgate the rules and regulations of the article. The superintendent is also authorized to make such rulings, demands, and findings they deem necessary for the proper conduct of the private education loan industry. Section 1109 of the new article states that penalties may be brought against violators of these provisions through civil action brought by the attorney general. Section two of the bill amends the definition of "original creditor" found in section 105 of the civil practice law and rules so that, in the case of an action arising from a private education loan only, that term shall mean the name of the creditor listed on the original promissory note or loan agreement. Section three of the bill adds a new section to the civil practice law and rules requiring plaintiffs or attorneys representing plaintiffs filing a complaint to submit sworn affidavits. The affidavits must attest that the plaintiff or attorney has all of the information neces- sary to collect on the debt, has complied with the debt collection communication requirements in section one of this bill, whether the debt is eligible for income-based repayment plans, whether the debt likely meets the definition of a qualified education loan under federal law, that after reasonable inquiry the statute of limitations on the debt has not expired, and that all of the information possessed and asserted is accurate. The plaintiff or their attorney must provide the following documentation attached to the application when seeking a judgment: information that establishes that the creditor is the owner of the specific individual private education loan at issue and a signed affida- vit from each of the previous owners of the private education loan stat- ing its default or acceleration status. A judge or clerk of the court may not grant or enter a judgment in action that fails to comply with these requirements. If a borrower or cosigner sends written notice to a creditor or debt collector disputing the creditor's or debt collector's compliance with this section, the creditor or debt collector must prove compliance to the court or move to vacate the judgment, refund all money paid after the judgment was entered, and remove all negative credit history. Section four of the bill amends section 3213 of the provisions of the civil practice law and rules, related to summary judgment in lieu of complaint, to clarify that judgments sought pursuant to that provision must still comply with the pleading and documentation requirements provided in section three of this bill. Section five of the bill includes a severability clause. Section five of the bill contains a severability clause. Section six of the bill states the effective date. JUSTIFICATION: Borrowers with private education loans face a wide range of unique chal- lenges when managing student debt. These loans often have extremely high interest rates and no flexible or affordable repayment options, leaving borrowers with little recourse when faced with a financial shock or unemployment. When borrowers fall behind on this debt, they often face aggressive debt collection tactics and lawsuits, all without the benefit of the type of bankruptcy protection available to consumers with other types of debt. Law enforcement officials have brought significant federal and state litigation alleging predatory lending by the largest private education lenders and alleging abusive collections, robo-signing, and illegal pursuit of invalid debts by collectors, investors, and servicers. As recently as March 5, 2021, in an action brought by the Washington Attor- ney General, a judge found that one private student loan servicer, Navient, violated the law by effectively barring cosigners from release from their loans after having promoted the availability of release to encourage consumers to cosign loans. Specifically, the court found that, among other things, the company counted payments in such a way that they were not considered to be on time for the purpose of cosigner release, offered forbearances and other borrowers assistances without informing the borrower or cosigner that accepting would prevent the cosigner from being released, and generally misrepresented the terms of cosigner release to borrowers and cosigners. These cases expose signif- icant, systemic flaws in the way the judicial system approaches private education loan debts-setting up the most vulnerable borrowers to face persistent financial distress in the decades ahead. As New York grapples with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, student debt remains a financial anchor for more than two million New Yorkers. The federal response to the pandemic has wholly ignored the plight of private student loan borrowers, leaving them to grapple with the predatory players that plague this sector of the student loan market. But where the federal government has failed, New York is stepping in. The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) announced, on April 7, 2020, that it negotiated with some of the largest private student loan companies to offer relief to as many as 300,000 New Yorkers struggling with private student loan debt. The proposed relief offered up to 90 days of deferment and protections from negative credit report- ing. However, this relief was only temporary and did not cover the entire student loan market. Private student loan companies and creditors have now resumed filing new lawsuits and continuing existing cases to recover past-due debts, despite tens of thousands of people still out of work or losing their jobs. Additionally, some of these companies submit false or misleading legal documents against the borrower to courts. The harmful effect of these lawsuits, which often lack even the most-basic levels of documentation and are disproportionately filed in majority-mi- nority communities in New York, were documented in a report issued in March 2021. It is clear that student loan borrowers need long-term solutions as New York works to recover from the pandemic. It is also clear that the predatory conduct in the private student loan market centers around specific types of misrepresentation and unfair practices, as well as improper debt collection practices. This legislation creates protections that specifically address these practices and would limit the economic exploitation of vulnerable borrowers by ensuring that borrowers are informed of any lender-specified repayment options and by creating protections for new borrowers taking on debt. PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: New bill. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: None to the state. EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect immediately.
S5136B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K ________________________________________________________________________ 5136--B 2021-2022 Regular Sessions I N S E N A T E February 24, 2021 ___________ Introduced by Sens. THOMAS, JACKSON, PERSAUD -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Consumer Protection -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee -- recommitted to the Committee on Consumer Protection in accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8 -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee AN ACT to amend the general business law and the civil practice law and rules, in relation to protecting private education loan borrowers and cosigners THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM- BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The general business law is amended by adding a new article 42 to read as follows: ARTICLE 42 PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN PROTECTIONS SECTION 1100. DEFINITIONS. 1101. APPLICABILITY. 1102. EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS. 1103. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO COSIGNERS. 1104. PROHIBITION ON ACCELERATION OF PAYMENTS ON PRIVATE EDUCA- TION LOANS. 1105. REQUIRED COMMUNICATIONS FROM CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLEC- TORS. 1106. REQUIRED INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS. 1107. ENFORCEMENT. 1108. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1109. PENALTIES. § 1100. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE: 1. "PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN" MEANS AN EXTENSION OF CREDIT THAT: EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD09464-10-2
S. 5136--B 2 (A) IS NOT MADE, INSURED, OR GUARANTEED UNDER TITLE IV OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 ET SEQ.); (B) IS EXTENDED TO A CONSUMER EXPRESSLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, FOR HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE LOAN IS PROVIDED BY THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION THAT THE STUDENT ATTENDS; (C) DOES NOT INCLUDE OPEN-END CREDIT OR ANY LOAN THAT IS SECURED BY REAL PROPERTY OR A DWELLING; AND (D) DOES NOT INCLUDE AN EXTENSION OF CREDIT IN WHICH THE COVERED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IS THE CREDITOR IF: (I) THE TERM OF THE EXTENSION OF CREDIT IS NINETY DAYS OR LESS; OR (II) AN INTEREST RATE OR FINANCE CHARGE WILL NOT BE APPLIED TO THE CREDIT BALANCE AND THE TERM OF THE EXTENSION OF CREDIT IS ONE YEAR OR LESS, EVEN IF THE CREDIT IS PAYABLE IN MORE THAN FOUR INSTALLMENTS. 2. "PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER", EXCEPT AS EXEMPTED UNDER THIS ARTICLE, MEANS: (A) ANY PERSON OR ENTITY ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF SECURING, MAKING, OR EXTENDING PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS; OR (B) ANY HOLDER OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN. 3. "BORROWER" OR "PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER" MEANS A PERSON WHO HAS RECEIVED OR AGREED TO PAY A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN FOR HIS OR HER OWN EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES. 4. "COSIGNER" (A) MEANS: (I) ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO IS LIABLE FOR THE OBLIGATION OF ANOTHER WITHOUT COMPENSATION, REGARDLESS OF HOW DESIGNATED IN THE CONTRACT OR INSTRUMENT WITH RESPECT TO THAT OBLIGATION, INCLUDING AN OBLIGATION UNDER A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN EXTENDED TO CONSOLIDATE A BORROWER'S PRE-EXISTING PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS; AND (II) INCLUDES ANY PERSON THE SIGNATURE OF WHICH IS REQUESTED AS CONDI- TION TO GRANT CREDIT OR TO FORBEAR ON COLLECTION; (B) DOES NOT INCLUDE A SPOUSE OF AN INDIVIDUAL DESCRIBED IN SUBPARA- GRAPH (I) OF PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION, THE SIGNATURE OF WHOM IS NEEDED TO PERFECT THE SECURITY INTEREST IN A LOAN. 5. "ORIGINAL CREDITOR" MEANS THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER IDENTIFIED IN A PROMISSORY NOTE, LOAN AGREEMENT, OR LOAN CONTRACT ENTERED INTO WITH A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER OR COSIGNER. 6. "CREDITOR" MEANS: (A) THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR, WHERE OWNERSHIP OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT HAS NOT BEEN SOLD, ASSIGNED, OR TRANSFERRED; (B) THE PERSON OR ENTITY THAT OWNED THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT AT THE TIME THE DEBT BECAME DELINQUENT OR DEFAULTED, EVEN IF THAT PERSON OR ENTITY DID NOT ORIGINATE THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, AND WHERE SUCH A DEBT HAS NOT SUBSEQUENTLY BEEN SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED; OR (C) A PERSON OR ENTITY THAT PURCHASED A DELINQUENT OR DEFAULTED PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT FOR COLLECTION PURPOSES, WHETHER IT COLLECTS THE DEBT ITSELF, HIRES A THIRD PARTY FOR COLLECTION, OR HIRES AN ATTOR- NEY FOR COLLECTION LITIGATION. 7. "DEBT COLLECTOR" MEANS ANY PERSON WHO REGULARLY COLLECTS OR ATTEMPTS TO COLLECT, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, CONSUMER DEBTS ORIGINALLY OWED OR DUE OR ASSERTED TO BE OWED OR DUE ANOTHER. THE TERM DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF A CREDITOR WHO, IN THE NAME OF THE CREDITOR, COLLECTS DEBTS FOR SUCH CREDITOR, BUT IT DOES INCLUDE ANY CREDITOR WHO, IN THE PROCESS OF COLLECTING ITS OWN DEBTS, USES ANY NAME OTHER THAN ITS OWN WHICH WOULD INDICATE THAT A THIRD PERSON IS COLLECT- ING OR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT SUCH DEBTS. 8. "HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSE" MEANS ANY EXPENSE ARISING FROM HIGHER EDUCATION, AS DEFINED IN SECTION TWO OF THE EDUCATION LAW, REGARDLESS OF S. 5136--B 3 WHETHER THE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION IS ACCREDITED WITHIN NEW YORK STATE. § 1101. APPLICABILITY. 1. ANY PERSON OR ENTITY THAT ENTERS INTO A CONTRACT OR SUBCONTRACT WITH A PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER OR SERVICER TO PERFORM THE SERVICING OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN MUST FULFILL THE OBLI- GATIONS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER UNDER THIS ARTICLE. 2. ANY PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER AS DESCRIBED IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED OF THIS ARTICLE BE JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY LIABLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF THE ENTITY OR PERSON IN FULFILLING THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL LENDER OR SERVICER UNDER THIS ARTICLE. § 1102. EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS. THE FOLLOWING SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE ONLY TO THE EXTENT THAT STATE REGULATION IS PREEMPTED BY FEDERAL LAW: 1. ANY BANKING ORGANIZATION, FOREIGN BANKING CORPORATION, NATIONAL BANK, FEDERAL SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OR ANY BANK, TRUST COMPANY, SAVINGS BANK, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, OR CREDIT UNION ORGANIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER STATE; AND 2. ANY SUBSIDIARY OF SUCH ENTITIES SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION. § 1103. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO COSIGNERS. 1. (A) PRIOR TO THE ORIGI- NATION OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER SHALL PROVIDE TO ALL COSIGNER APPLICANTS INFORMATION ABOUT THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COSIGNER OF THE LOAN, INCLUDING: (I) INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER WILL FURNISH INFORMATION ABOUT THE COSIGNER'S PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN OBLIGATION TO CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES; (II) INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THE COSIGNER WILL BE NOTIFIED IF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BECOMES DELINQUENT, INCLUDING HOW THE COSIGNER CAN CURE THE DELINQUENCY IN ORDER TO AVOID NEGATIVE CREDIT FURNISHING AND LOSS OF COSIGNER RELEASE ELIGIBILITY; AND (III) INFORMATION ABOUT ELIGIBILITY FOR RELEASE OF THE COSIGNER'S OBLIGATION ON THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, INCLUDING NUMBER OF ON-TIME PAYMENTS AND ANY OTHER CRITERIA REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE RELEASE OF COSIGNER FROM THE LOAN OBLIGATION. (B) LENDERS SHALL SEND BORROWERS AND COSIGNERS ANNUAL WRITTEN NOTICES CONTAINING INFORMATION ABOUT COSIGNER RELEASE, INCLUDING CRITERIA THE LENDER REQUIRES TO APPROVE THE RELEASE OF COSIGNER FROM THE LOAN OBLI- GATION AND THE PROCESS FOR APPLYING FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. (C) ONCE THE BORROWER HAS MET THE APPLICABLE CONSECUTIVE ON-TIME PAYMENT REQUIREMENT TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, THE LENDER SHALL SEND THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER A WRITTEN NOTIFICATION BY U.S. MAIL AND BY ELECTRONIC MAIL, WHERE A BORROWER HAS ELECTED TO RECEIVE ELEC- TRONIC COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE LENDER, INFORMING THE BORROWER AND COSIG- NER THAT HE OR SHE HAS MET THE APPLICABLE CONSECUTIVE, ON-TIME PAYMENTS REQUIREMENT TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. THE NOTIFICATION SHALL ALSO INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY ADDITIONAL CRITERIA TO QUALIFY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, AND THE PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. (D) LENDERS SHALL PROVIDE WRITTEN NOTICE WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS TO ANY BORROWER WHO APPLIES FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, BUT WHOSE APPLICATION IS INCOMPLETE. THE WRITTEN NOTICE MUST INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE INFOR- MATION NEEDED TO CONSIDER THE APPLICATION COMPLETE AND THE DATE BY WHICH THE APPLICANT SHOULD FURNISH THE MISSING INFORMATION. (E) AFTER A BORROWER SUBMITS A COMPLETE APPLICATION FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, WITHIN THIRTY DAYS, THE LENDER SHALL SEND THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER A WRITTEN NOTICE THAT INFORMS THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER WHETHER THE COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATION HAS BEEN APPROVED OR DENIED. IF THE S. 5136--B 4 LENDER DENIES A REQUEST FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, THE LENDER SHALL INFORM THE BORROWER OF HIS OR HER RIGHT TO REQUEST ALL DOCUMENTS AND INFORMA- TION USED IN THE DETERMINATION, INCLUDING THE CREDIT SCORE THRESHOLD USED BY THE LENDER, THE BORROWER'S CONSUMER REPORT, THE BORROWER'S CRED- IT SCORE, AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS SPECIFIC TO THE BORROWER. THE LENDER MUST ALSO PROVIDE ANY ADVERSE ACTION NOTICES REQUIRED UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW IF THE DENIAL IS BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON ANY INFORMA- TION CONTAINED IN A CONSUMER REPORT. 2. (A) IN RESPONSE TO ANY WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, LENDERS SHALL SEND THE INFORMATION DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION. (B) LENDERS SHALL NOT IMPOSE ANY RESTRICTIONS THAT MAY PERMANENTLY BAR A BORROWER FROM QUALIFYING FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, INCLUDING RESTRICTING THE NUMBER OF TIMES A BORROWER MAY APPLY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. (C) LENDERS SHALL NOT IMPOSE ANY NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES ON ANY BORROWER OR COSIGNER DURING THE SIXTY DAYS FOLLOWING THE ISSUANCE OF THE NOTICE REQUIRED UNDER PARAGRAPH (D) OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION, OR UNTIL THE LENDER MAKES A FINAL DETERMINATION ABOUT A BORROWER'S COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATION. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS PARAGRAPH, "NEGATIVE CONSE- QUENCES" INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPOSITION OF ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, NEGATIVE CREDIT REPORTING, LOST ELIGIBILITY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, LATE FEES, INTEREST CAPITALIZATION, OR OTHER FINANCIAL INJURY. (D) LENDERS SHALL NOT REQUIRE GREATER THAN TWELVE CONSECUTIVE, ON-TIME PAYMENTS AS CRITERIA TO APPLY FOR COSIGNER RELEASE. ANY BORROWER WHO HAS PAID THE EQUIVALENT OF TWELVE MONTHS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST PAYMENTS WITHIN ANY TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE SATISFIED THE CONSECUTIVE, ON-TIME PAYMENT REQUIREMENT, EVEN IF THE BORROWER HAS NOT MADE PAYMENTS MONTHLY DURING THE TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD. (E) IF A BORROWER OR COSIGNER REQUESTS A CHANGE THAT RESTARTS THE COUNT OF CONSECUTIVE, ON-TIME PAYMENTS REQUIRED FOR COSIGNER RELEASE, THE LENDER SHALL NOTIFY THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER IN WRITING WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE IMPACT OF SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT AND PROVIDE THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW OR REVERSE THE REQUEST TO AVOID SUCH IMPACT. (F) THE BORROWER HAS THE RIGHT TO REQUEST AN APPEAL OF A LENDER'S DETERMINATION TO DENY THE COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATION WITHIN NINETY DAYS OF RECEIVING THE LENDER'S DETERMINATION, AND THE LENDER SHALL PERMIT SUCH BORROWER TO SUBMIT ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION EVIDENCING THAT THE BORROWER HAS THE ABILITY, WILLINGNESS, AND STABILITY TO HANDLE HIS OR HER PAYMENT OBLIGATIONS. THE BORROWER MAY REQUEST REVIEW OF THE COSIGNER RELEASE DETERMINATION BY ANOTHER EMPLOYEE. THE LENDER SHALL INFORM THE BORROWER OF THIS RIGHT IN A CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS MANNER ON THE NOTICE DENYING THE COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATION. (G) A LENDER MUST ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A COMPREHENSIVE RECORD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REASONABLY DESIGNED TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY, INTEGRITY, AND COMPLETENESS OF DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATIONS. THIS SYSTEM SHALL INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF COSIGNER RELEASE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, THE APPROVAL AND DENIAL RATE, AND THE PRIMARY REASONS FOR ANY DENIAL. (H) IF A COSIGNER HAS A TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY, AS DETERMINED BY ANY FEDERAL AGENCY, STATE AGENCY, OR PHYSICIAN OR DOCTOR OF OSTEOPA- THY LEGALLY AUTHORIZED TO PRACTICE IN THE STATE IN WHICH THE COSIGNER RESIDES, THE LENDER SHALL RELEASE THE COSIGNER FROM THE COSIGNER'S OBLI- GATION TO REPAY THE LOAN UPON RECEIVING A NOTIFICATION OF THE COSIGNER'S TOTAL AND PERMANENT DISABILITY. THE LENDER SHALL NOT REQUIRE A NEW S. 5136--B 5 COSIGNER TO BE ADDED TO THE LOAN AFTER THE ORIGINAL COSIGNER HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM THE LOAN. 3. (A) A LENDER SHALL PROVIDE A COSIGNER OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WITH ACCESS TO ALL DOCUMENTS OR RECORDS RELATED TO THE COSIGNED PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THE BORROWER; (B) IF A LENDER PROVIDES ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS FOR A BORROWER, IT SHALL PROVIDE EQUIVALENT ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO THE COSIGNER; AND (C) UPON RECEIVING NOTICE FROM THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER, THE LENDER SHALL REDACT THE CONTACT INFORMATION OF THE OTHER PARTY. § 1104. PROHIBITION ON ACCELERATION OF PAYMENTS ON PRIVATE EDUCATION LOANS. 1. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION, A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN EXECUTED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ARTICLE MAY NOT INCLUDE A PROVISION THAT PERMITS THE PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL LENDER TO ACCELERATE, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, PAYMENTS ON THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN. 2. A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN MAY INCLUDE A PROVISION THAT PERMITS ACCELERATION OF THE LOAN IN CASES OF PAYMENT DEFAULT. 3. A LENDER SHALL NOT PLACE ANY LOAN OR ACCOUNT INTO DEFAULT OR ACCEL- ERATE A LOAN FOR ANY REASON, OTHER THAN FOR FAILURE TO PAY. 4. (A) IN THE EVENT OF THE DEATH OF A COSIGNER, A LENDER SHALL NOT ATTEMPT TO COLLECT AGAINST THE COSIGNER'S ESTATE, OTHER THAN FOR FAILURE TO PAY. (B) UPON RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF THE DEATH OR BANKRUPTCY OF A COSIG- NER, WHEN THE LOAN IS NOT MORE THAN SIXTY DAYS DELINQUENT AT THE TIME OF THE NOTIFICATION, A LENDER SHALL NOT CHANGE ANY TERMS OR BENEFITS UNDER THE PROMISSORY NOTE, REPAYMENT SCHEDULE, REPAYMENT TERMS, OR MONTHLY PAYMENT AMOUNT OR ANY OTHER PROVISION ASSOCIATED WITH THE LOAN. (C) A LENDER SHALL NOT PLACE ANY LOAN OR ACCOUNT INTO DEFAULT OR ACCELERATE A LOAN FOR ANY REASON, OTHER THAN FOR FAILURE TO PAY. § 1105. REQUIRED COMMUNICATIONS FROM CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS. IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER INFORMATION REQUIRED UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE LAW, A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR SHALL PROVIDE, IN WRITING, IN THE FIRST DEBT COLLECTION COMMUNICATION WITH THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER OR COSIGNER, OR WITHIN FIVE DAYS THEREAFTER, AND AT ANY OTHER TIME THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER REQUESTS SUCH DOCUMENTATION: 1. THE NAME OF THE CURRENT OWNER OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT; 2. THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S NAME AT THE TIME OF ORIGINATION AND, IF DIFFERENT, AT THE TIME OF SALE OF THE LOAN, IF APPLICABLE; 3. THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER USED TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT AT THE TIME OF SALE, IF APPLICABLE; 4. THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING AMOUNT OWED AT THE TIME OF DEFAULT OR THE AMOUNT DUE TO BRING THE LOAN CURRENT IF THE LOAN IS DELINQUENT, BUT NOT YET IN DEFAULT; 5. A SCHEDULE OF ALL TRANSACTIONS CREDITED OR DEBITED TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN ACCOUNT; 6. A COPY OF ALL PAGES OF THE CONTRACT, APPLICATION OR OTHER DOCUMENTS STATING ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AND EVIDENCING THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER'S OR COSIGNER'S LIABILITY FOR THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; AND 7. A CLEAR AND CONSPICUOUS STATEMENT DISCLOSING THAT THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER HAS A RIGHT TO REQUEST ALL INFORMATION POSSESSED BY THE CREDI- TOR RELATED TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED SIX OF THIS ARTICLE. S. 5136--B 6 § 1106. REQUIRED INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS. 1. A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR MAY NOT COLLECT OR ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT UNLESS THE CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR POSSESSES THE FOLLOWING: (A) THE NAME OF THE OWNER OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; (B) THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S NAME AT THE TIME OF SALE OF THE LOAN OR DEFAULT, IF APPLICABLE; (C) THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER USED TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT THE TIME OF SALE OR DEFAULT, IF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR USED AN ACCOUNT NUMBER TO IDENTIFY THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT THE TIME OF SALE OR DEFAULT; (D) THE AMOUNT DUE AT THE TIME OF SALE, OR AT DEFAULT, OR, IF THE LOAN IS DELINQUENT, TO BRING THE LOAN CURRENT; (E) A SCHEDULE OF ALL TRANSACTIONS CREDITED OR DEBITED TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN ACCOUNT; (F) AN ITEMIZATION OF INTEREST AND FEES, IF ANY, CLAIMED TO BE OWED AND WHETHER THOSE WERE IMPOSED BY THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR OR ANY SUBSE- QUENT OWNERS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; (G) THE DATE THAT THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WAS INCURRED; (H) A BILLING STATEMENT OR OTHER ACCOUNT RECORD INDICATING THE DATE OF THE FIRST PARTIAL PAYMENT AND/OR THE FIRST DAY THAT A PAYMENT WAS MISSED, WHICHEVER IS EARLIER; (I) A BILLING STATEMENT OR OTHER ACCOUNT RECORD INDICATING THE DATE OF THE LAST PAYMENT MADE BY THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER, IF APPLICABLE; (J) ANY PAYMENTS, SETTLEMENT, OR FINANCIAL REMUNERATION OF ANY KIND PAID TO THE CREDITOR BY A GUARANTOR, COSIGNER, OR SURETY, AND THE AMOUNT OF PAYMENT RECEIVED; (K) A COPY OF THE SELF-CERTIFICATION FORM AND ANY OTHER "NEEDS ANALY- SIS" CONDUCTED BY THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR PRIOR TO ORIGINATION OF THE LOAN; (L) A LOG OF ALL COLLECTION ATTEMPTS MADE IN THE PREVIOUS TWELVE MONTHS INCLUDING DATE AND TIME OF ALL CALLS AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS; (M) COPIES OF ALL WRITTEN SETTLEMENT OFFERS SENT IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS, OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, A STATEMENT THAT THE CREDITOR HAS NOT ATTEMPTED TO SETTLE OR OTHERWISE RENEGOTIATE THE DEBT PRIOR TO SUIT; (N) COPIES OF ALL COLLECTION LETTERS SENT TO THE BORROWER AND COSIGNER SINCE INCEPTION OF THE LOAN; (O) DOCUMENTATION ESTABLISHING THAT THE CREDITOR IS THE OWNER OF THE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN AT ISSUE. IF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN WAS ASSIGNED MORE THAN ONCE, THE CREDITOR MUST POSSESS EACH ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING EVIDENCING THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF THE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN TO ESTABLISH AN UNBROKEN CHAIN OF OWNERSHIP, BEGINNING WITH THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR TO THE FIRST SUBSEQUENT CREDITOR AND EACH ADDITIONAL CREDITOR. EACH ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING EVIDENCING TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OR THE RIGHT TO COLLECT MUST CONTAIN THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR'S ACCOUNT NUMBER (REDACTED FOR SECU- RITY PURPOSES TO SHOW ONLY THE LAST FOUR DIGITS) OF THE PRIVATE EDUCA- TION LOAN PURCHASED OR OTHERWISE ASSIGNED, THE DATE OF PURCHASE AND ASSIGNMENT, AND MUST CLEARLY SHOW THE BORROWER'S, AND IF APPLICABLE, COSIGNER'S CORRECT NAME ASSOCIATED WITH THE ORIGINAL ACCOUNT NUMBER. THE ASSIGNMENT OR OTHER WRITING ATTACHED SHALL BE THAT BY WHICH THE CREDITOR OR OTHER ASSIGNEE ACQUIRED THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, NOT A DOCUMENT PREPARED FOR LITIGATION OR COLLECTION PURPOSES; (P) A COPY OF ALL PAGES OF THE CONTRACT, APPLICATION OR OTHER DOCU- MENTS EVIDENCING THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER'S, AND IF APPLICA- S. 5136--B 7 BLE, COSIGNER'S LIABILITY FOR THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, STATING ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN; AND (Q) A SIGNED AFFIDAVIT OR AFFIDAVITS FROM EACH OF THE PREVIOUS OWNERS OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN REGARDING WHEN THE PREVIOUS OWNER ACCELER- ATED THE LOAN FROM DELINQUENCY STATUS TO DEFAULT STATUS, OR IF APPLICA- BLE, A STATEMENT THAT NO SUCH ACCELERATION OCCURRED. 2. UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST FROM A BORROWER OR COSIGNER FOR ANY INFORMATION THAT A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR IS REQUIRED TO POSSESS PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION, A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLEC- TOR SHALL SEND THE REQUESTED INFORMATION TO THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THE REQUEST. § 1107. ENFORCEMENT. 1. ALL PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDERS, CREDITORS AND DEBT COLLECTORS SHALL COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE. 2. ANY BORROWER OR COSIGNER WHO SUFFERS DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER, CREDITOR, OR DEBT COLLECTOR COVERED BY THE PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE MAY BRING AN ACTION ON THEIR OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF A SIMILARLY SITUATED CLASS OF CONSUMERS AGAINST THAT PERSON TO RECOVER OR OBTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: (A) ACTUAL DAMAGES, BUT IN NO CASE SHALL THE TOTAL AWARD OF DAMAGES BE LESS THAN FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS PER PERSON, PER VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION OR OF SECTION THREE THOUSAND TWELVE-C OF THE CIVIL PRACTICE LAW AND RULES; (B) PUNITIVE DAMAGES; (C) CORRECTION OF ANY INACCURATE, NEGATIVE REPORTING BY THE LENDER, CREDITOR, OR DEBT COLLECTOR TO ANY CREDIT REPORTING AGENCY; (D) INJUNCTIVE RELIEF; AND (E) ANY OTHER RELIEF THAT THE COURT DEEMS PROPER. 3. IF A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR FAILS TO COMPLY WITH SUBDIVISION (E) OF SECTION THREE THOUSAND TWELVE-C OF THE CIVIL PRACTICE LAW AND RULES, THE BORROWER OR THE COSIGNER WHO SENT THE WRITTEN NOTICE THEREIN MAY BRING AN ACTION ON HIS OR HER OWN BEHALF OR ON BEHALF OF A SIMILARLY SITUATED CLASS OF PERSONS AGAINST THE CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR AND MAY RECOVER OR OBTAIN ANY OF THE SAME FORMS OF RELIEF AS PROVIDED IN SUBDI- VISION TWO OF THIS SECTION, AS WELL AS AN ORDER SETTING ASIDE OR VACAT- ING ANY JUDGMENT ENTERED AGAINST THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER. IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER REMEDIES PROVIDED BY THIS SECTION OR OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY LAW, WHENEVER IT IS PROVEN BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE THAT A CREDITOR, DEBT COLLECTOR, OR ATTORNEY REPRESENTING A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR FILED AN AFFIDAVIT REQUIRED UNDER SECTION THREE THOUSAND TWELVE-C OF THE CIVIL PRACTICE LAW AND RULES CONTAINING FALSE INFORMA- TION, THE COURT SHALL AWARD TREBLE ACTUAL DAMAGES TO THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER, BUT IN NO CASE SHALL THE AWARD OF DAMAGES BE LESS THAN ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS, PER PERSON, PER VIOLATION OF THAT SECTION. 4. IN THE CASE OF ANY SUCCESSFUL ACTION TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING LIABILITY, A PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER, CREDITOR, OR DEBT COLLECTOR IS LIABLE FOR THE COSTS OF THE ACTION, TOGETHER WITH REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES AS DETERMINED BY THE COURT. 5. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF ANY COUNTY MAY BRING AN ACTION IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE TO RESTRAIN OR PREVENT ANY VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE OR ANY CONTINUANCE OF ANY SUCH VIOLATION. 6. NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE SHALL LIMIT ANY STATUTORY OR COMMON LAW RIGHT OF ANY PERSON TO BRING ANY ACTION IN ANY COURT FOR ANY ACT, OR THE RIGHT OF THE STATE TO PUNISH ANY PERSON FOR ANY VIOLATION OF ANY LAW. S. 5136--B 8 § 1108. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1. IN ADDITION TO SUCH POWERS AS MAY OTHERWISE BE PRESCRIBED BY THIS CHAPTER, THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED TO PROMULGATE SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE, OR APPROPRIATE FOR THE EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS ARTICLE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: (A) SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACTIVITIES OF PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDERS, CREDITORS, AND DEBT COLLECTORS AS MAY BE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE FOR THE PROTECTION OF BORROWERS IN THIS STATE; (B) SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY BE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE TO DEFINE UNFAIR, DECEPTIVE OR ABUSIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACTIVITIES OF PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDERS, CREDITORS, AND DEBT COLLEC- TORS; (C) SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY DEFINE THE TERMS USED IN THIS ARTICLE AND AS MAY BE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE TO INTERPRET AND IMPLE- MENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE; AND (D) SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS ARTICLE. 2. THE SUPERINTENDENT IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED AND EMPOWERED TO MAKE SUCH SPECIFIC RULINGS, DEMANDS AND FINDINGS AS THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY DEEM NECESSARY FOR THE PROPER CONDUCT OF THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN INDUSTRY. § 1109. PENALTIES. IN ADDITION TO SUCH PENALTIES AS MAY OTHERWISE BE APPLICABLE BY LAW, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE PENALTIES AVAILABLE UNDER SECTION FORTY-FOUR OF THE BANKING LAW, THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES MAY, AFTER NOTICE AND A HEARING, OR UPON A FINDING OF A VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE IN A CIVIL ACTION BROUGHT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, REQUIRE ANY PERSON FOUND VIOLATING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTI- CLE OR THE RULES OR REGULATIONS PROMULGATED HEREUNDER TO PAY TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS STATE A PENALTY FOR EACH VIOLATION OF THE ARTICLE OR ANY REGULATION OR POLICY PROMULGATED HEREUNDER A SUM NOT TO EXCEED THE GREATER OF (I) TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH OFFENSE; (II) A MULTIPLE OF TWO TIMES THE AGGREGATE DAMAGES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE VIOLATION; OR (III) A MULTIPLE OF TWO TIMES THE AGGREGATE ECONOMIC GAIN ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE VIOLATION. § 2. Subdivision (q-1) of section 105 of the civil practice law and rules, as added by chapter 593 of the laws of 2021, is amended to read as follows: (q-1) Original creditor. The term "original creditor" means the entity that owned a consumer credit account at the date of default giving rise to a cause of action, EXCEPT THAT IF THE CONSUMER CREDIT ACCOUNT IS A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, AS DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION ONE OF SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED OF THE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW, "ORIGINAL CREDITOR" MEANS THE PRIVATE EDUCATION LENDER IDENTIFIED IN A PROMISSORY NOTE, LOAN AGREE- MENT, OR LOAN CONTRACT ENTERED INTO WITH A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWER OR COSIGNER. § 3. The civil practice law and rules is amended by adding a new section 3012-c to read as follows: § 3012-C. PLEADING REQUIREMENTS IN PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN ACTIONS. IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY THIS CHAPTER, IN AN ACTION ARISING OUT OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN: (A) ACCOMPANYING THE COMPLAINT, ONE OR MORE SWORN AFFIDAVITS BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PLAINTIFF OR PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY SHALL BE ATTACHED TO THE COMPLAINT ATTESTING: (1) THAT THE PLAINTIFF HAS IN ITS POSSESSION THE INFORMATION REQUIRED IN SUBDIVISION ONE OF SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED SIX OF THE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW; S. 5136--B 9 (2) THAT THE COMMUNICATION REQUIRED IN SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED FIVE OF THE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW HAS BEEN COMPLIED WITH; (3) AS TO WHETHER THE DEBT IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN INCOME-BASED REPAYMENT PLAN FREE OF CHARGE TO THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER, EQUIVALENT TO THE REPAYMENT ARRANGEMENT ESTABLISHED FOR FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS UNDER ARTI- CLE IV OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT (20 USC 1078 ET. SEQ.); (4) WHETHER, AFTER REASONABLE INQUIRY, THE PLAINTIFF OR THE PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY HAS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE DEBT IS A QUALIFIED EDUCATION LOAN AS DEFINED IN 26 U.S.C. § 221; AND (5) THAT THE INFORMATION SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBDIVI- SION, THE ALLEGATIONS SET FORTH IN THE COMPLAINT AND ANY SUPPORTING AFFIDAVITS OR AFFIRMATIONS, AS WELL AS THE NOTARIZATIONS CONTAINED IN THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FILED THEREWITH, ARE ACCURATE. (B) COPIES OF THE DOCUMENTATION IDENTIFIED IN PARAGRAPHS (O) AND (Q) OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED SIX OF THE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW SHALL BE ATTACHED TO THE COMPLAINT. THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SUBDI- VISION SHALL SATISFY THOSE REQUIRED FOR AN ACTION ARISING OUT OF A CONSUMER CREDIT TRANSACTION, PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION (F) OF SECTION 3215 OF THIS CHAPTER, WHERE THE PLAINTIFF IS NOT THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 105 OF THIS CHAPTER. (C) AN AFFIDAVIT BY THE PLAINTIFF OR PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY SHALL ACCOM- PANY THE COMPLAINT, STATING THAT AFTER REASONABLE INQUIRY, HE OR SHE HAS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS HAS NOT EXPIRED. COMPLIANCE WITH THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL SATISFY THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISION (J) OF SECTION 3215 OF THIS CHAPTER FOR AN ATTORNEY REPRES- ENTING A CREDITOR SEEKING A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT ENTERED BY THE CLERK IN AN ACTION ARISING FROM A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT. (D) A JUDGE OR CLERK SHALL NOT GRANT OR ENTER A JUDGMENT PURSUANT TO RULE 3212 OR SECTIONS 3213, 3215 OR 3218 OF THIS CHAPTER IN AN ACTION ARISING FROM A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN DEBT THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS DESCRIBED IN SUBDIVISIONS (A), (B), AND (C) OF THIS SECTION. (E) UPON RECEIPT OF WRITTEN NOTICE PROVIDED BY A BORROWER OR COSIGNER, OR UPON NOTICE FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES ON BEHALF OF A GROUP OF BORROWERS, TO A CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR STATING THAT THE CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR HAS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THIS SECTION, THE CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR SHALL: (I) PROVIDE PROOF OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION; OR (II) TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS: 1. MOVE TO VACATE THE JUDGMENT; 2. REFUND ALL MONIES PAID BY THE BORROWER OR COSIGNER AFTER THE JUDG- MENT WAS ENTERED; AND 3. CORRECT ANY INACCURATE, NEGATIVE CREDIT INFORMATION FURNISHED BY THE CREDITOR OR DEBT COLLECTOR. (F) THE DEFINITIONS OF TERMS SET FORTH IN SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED OF THE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW SHALL APPLY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION. § 4. Section 3213 of the civil practice law and rules, as amended by chapter 593 of the laws of 2021, is amended to read as follows: § 3213. Motion for summary judgment in lieu of complaint. When an action is based upon an instrument for the payment of money only or upon any judgment, the plaintiff may serve with the summons a notice of motion for summary judgment and the supporting papers in lieu of a complaint. The summons served with such motion papers shall require the defendant to submit answering papers on the motion within the time provided in the notice of motion. The minimum time such motion shall be S. 5136--B 10 noticed to be heard shall be as provided by subdivision (a) of rule 320 for making an appearance, depending upon the method of service. If the plaintiff sets the hearing date of the motion later than the minimum time therefor, he may require the defendant to serve a copy of his answering papers upon him within such extended period of time, not exceeding ten days, prior to such hearing date. No default judgment may be entered pursuant to subdivision (a) of section 3215 prior to the hearing date of the motion. If the motion is denied, the moving and answering papers shall be deemed the complaint and answer, respectively, unless the court orders otherwise. The additional notice required by subdivision (j) of rule 3212 shall be applicable to a motion made pursu- ant to this section in any action to collect a debt arising out of a consumer credit transaction where a consumer is a defendant. THE ADDI- TIONAL PLEADING REQUIRED BY SECTION 3012-C SHALL BE APPLICABLE TO A MOTION MADE PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION IN ANY ACTION TO COLLECT A DEBT ARISING OUT OF A PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN, AS DEFINED IN SECTION ELEVEN HUNDRED OF THE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW. § 5. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section or part of this act shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered. It is hereby declared to be the intent of the legislature that this act would have been enacted even if such invalid provisions had not been included herein. § 6. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law; provided that if chapter 593 of the laws of 2021 shall not have taken effect on or before such date then sections two and four of this act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as such chapter 593 of the laws of 2021 takes effect.
Comments
Open Legislation is a forum for New York State legislation. All comments are subject to review and community moderation is encouraged.
Comments deemed off-topic, commercial, campaign-related, self-promotional; or that contain profanity, hate or toxic speech; or that link to sites outside of the nysenate.gov domain are not permitted, and will not be published. Attempts to intimidate and silence contributors or deliberately deceive the public, including excessive or extraneous posting/posts, or coordinated activity, are prohibited and may result in the temporary or permanent banning of the user. Comment moderation is generally performed Monday through Friday. By contributing or voting you agree to the Terms of Participation and verify you are over 13.
Related Recent Legislation
Relates to protections for private education loan borrowers and cosigners
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor Calendar
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Delivered to Governor
- Signed/Vetoed by Governor
May 04, 2022
Passed Senate
Relates to prohibited practices relating to student educational debt
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor Calendar
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Delivered to Governor
- Signed by Governor
March 07, 2022
Signed by Governor
Relates to prohibited practices relating to student educational debt
- Introduced
- In Committee
- On Floor Calendar
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Delivered to Governor
- Signed by Governor
March 07, 2022
Signed by Governor