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H.R. 3474

Christopher's Law

Christopher Bryski Student Loan Protection Act or Christopher's Law

This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a private student loan lender to disclose clearly and conspicuously in writing a cosigner's obligations regarding a private student loan. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) must publish a model form for such disclosure.

The bill prohibits a private student loan lender from taking an adverse action against a borrower (e.g., placing a loan in default or accelerating a loan balance) upon a cosigner's death, disability, or bankruptcy. It also prohibits adverse actions against a cosigner for a borrower's death, disability, or bankruptcy.

The CFPB must establish and a private student loan lender must disclose criteria for releasing a cosigner from a private student loan obligation.

A private student loan lender must also:

  • provide prompt notice of a cosigner's release;
  • allow a borrower to designate a legal representative to make decisions upon the death or disability of such borrower; and
  • ensure a borrower and cosigner receive comprehensive counseling on the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of a private student loan.

Additionally, this bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the required elements of entrance counseling for a federal student loan borrower to include:

  • conditions for loan discharge upon the death or disability of a borrower,
  • options for loan repayment and forgiveness upon the death or disability of a borrower or cosigner, and
  • obligations of a borrower or cosigner upon the death or disability of a borrower.

It requires clear and conspicuous disclosure of a student's option to designate a legal representative to make decisions about a federal student loan upon such student's death or disability.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training.

Rep. Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-9](D-NJ)Sponsor
4 cosponsors4 D
4cosponsors2committees6actions1related bills7subjects
  1. Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training.

    Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcomittee
  2. IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

    Education and the Workforce Committee
  3. IntroReferralH11100-A

    Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  4. IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

    Financial Services Committee
  5. IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  6. IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Christopher's Law — Informed