This bill aims to protect individuals from discrimination based on medical debt in employment and housing contexts. It amends existing laws to make it unlawful for employers and labor organizations to discriminate against individuals due to their medical debt, alongside other protected characteristics such as race, religion, and disability. Specifically, the bill adds "medical debt" to the list of factors that cannot be used for employment decisions, membership exclusions, or discriminatory practices in job applications. Additionally, it prohibits landlords and property managers from refusing to lease or rent properties based on a person's medical debt and restricts inquiries about medical debt during the rental process.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions that prevent medical creditors and debt collectors from reporting medical debt to consumer credit reporting agencies, rendering any such agreements void and unenforceable if violated. It also stipulates that consumer credit reporting agencies cannot include medical debt in credit reports or use it to calculate credit scores. The bill defines "medical debt" and outlines the roles of medical creditors and collectors, ensuring clarity in its application. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
HB0178A, AM HB 178, introduced 04/09/2025: 18.80.220, 18.80.200, 18.80.280, 18.80.240, 18.80.300, 45.85.800