The bill amends existing laws related to deceptive trade practices and the handling of medical debt. It introduces a new definition of "medical debt," which refers to a consumer's obligation to pay for healthcare services, products, or devices owed to healthcare facilities or professionals, excluding Medicaid reimbursement and child support orders. The bill prohibits credit bureaus from reporting medical debt, thereby protecting consumers from potential negative impacts on their credit scores.

Additionally, it restricts the filing of executions and attachments against a consumer's principal residence for judgments based on medical debt, ensuring that individuals are not at risk of losing their homes due to such debts. The bill outlines specific procedures regarding the attachment of a defendant's assets in cases related to medical debt, including prohibiting attachments against a principal residence and limiting garnishments of wages for judgments based on medical debt.

These changes aim to provide greater protections for consumers facing medical debt. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
5184: 6-13.1-20, 9-25-3
5184  SUB A: 6-13.1-20, 9-25-3