Credit law tracker

Laws about credit reports change every year, and the rules can differ from one state to the next. This tracker explains, in plain English, the state and federal laws that affect what can appear on your credit reports and what rights you have.

It is here for education and to help you monitor your own credit with confidence. We do not offer credit repair. Everything on these pages is something you can do yourself, for free, using the official source linked on each entry.

123

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Took effect in the last 12 months

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Federal laws and rules

The Fair Credit Reporting Act and federal rules from the CFPB and the FTC apply in every state.

2 entries

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Recently effective and upcoming

HB 444 (2026), Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act (Chapter 395)

Enacted

Jurisdiction: Virginia
Citation:: Va. Acts 2026, ch. 395
Effective:: Jul 1, 2027

Starting July 1, 2027, a creditor suing on a consumer debt in Virginia must include specific statements and a consumer notice in the warrant before a court can enter a default judgment. The state court system will create a standard notice form.

What you can do

If you are sued on a debt, go to court on the return date so a default judgment is not entered against you.

Official sources

Source checked Sep 29, 2026

HB 1725 (2025), Medical Debt Protection Act (Chapter 692)

In effect

Jurisdiction: Virginia
Citation:: Va. Code 59.1-611 to 59.1-613
Effective:: Jul 1, 2026

Large Virginia health care facilities and medical debt buyers may not charge interest or late fees on medical debt until 90 days after the due date on the final invoice, and any interest or late fees may not exceed 3 percent of the debt per year. Medical creditors and collectors may not use extraordinary collection actions such as causing an arrest, foreclosing on real property, placing a lien on personal property, or garnishing the wages of someone who qualifies for financial assistance.

What you can do

Ask the hospital for its financial assistance policy and apply before paying a large medical bill.

Official sources

Source checked Sep 29, 2026

This is general education, not legal advice. Laws change; check the official source linked on each entry.