COVID-19 Collections Restriction Efforts: Ohio, Maryland, and Massachusetts

Consumer Finance Litigation

On March 25, 2020, State Rep. Thomas West of Ohio introduced legislation, HB 596, which would halt all in-state debt collections until Ohio’s state of emergency expired. In its proposed form, the legislation would prohibit institutions from making harassing phone calls; disconnecting electricity and other utilities; charging higher interest or penalty fees; and initiating lawsuits to collect debts, evictions, garnishments, and other efforts to collect on debts. Currently, the bill has been introduced to the Ohio House of Representatives but has not yet been voted on.

On April 3, 2020, Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland issued an emergency order directly providing instruction to mortgage lenders and financial institutions. The order temporarily prohibits mortgage lenders from initiating the foreclosure process. During this period, no late fees may be charged, and no negative reporting to credit bureaus may occur. However, Maryland residents must contact their lender to make use of this relief. This emergency order also prohibits the repossession of cars, trucks, and mobile homes, as well as commercial and industrial evictions.

On April 3, 2020, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office issued new guidance in the form of FAQs addressing its recent regulations codified at 940 CMR 35.00 (“Unfair and Deceptive Debt Collection Practices During the State of Emergency Caused by COVID-19”). The March 26, 2020 regulation limits collections practices during the COVID-19 crisis, including by prohibiting creditors and debt collectors from engaging in methods of debt collection that can require people to leave their homes or have in-person contact. These prohibited practices include: initiating, filing, or threatening to file any new collection lawsuits, visiting consumers at their homes or places of work, repossessing vehicles, making unsolicited debt collections calls, or garnishing wages, among other protections.

For more information on collections restriction efforts nationwide, please see our complete COVID-19 Collections Impact Bulletin, available here.

Burr
Jump to Page

Schedule a Free Consultation

About Burr & Forman Sports Law

The Burr & Forman Sports Law team includes attorneys from a variety of legal and college athletic backgrounds, who provide counsel on marketing, licensing and other agreements. The team, which includes NFLPA certified contract advisors, has represented professional athletes in marketing and other deals, negotiated NIL contracts with NCAA coaching legends, represented professional sports organizations, and negotiated deals with major sporting television networks.

We use cookies to improve your website experience, provide additional security, and remember you when you return to the website. This website does not respond to "Do Not Track" signals. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our use of cookies. To learn more about how we use cookies, please see our Privacy Policy.

Necessary Cookies

Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. These cookies may only be disabled by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.


Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies help us improve our website by collecting and reporting information on its usage. We access and process information from these cookies at an aggregate level.