California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation "DFPI" issues notice of proposed rulemaking under Debt Collection Licensing Act

On February 9, 2024, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) announced a proposed regulatory update focusing on specific reporting and assessment requirements under the Debt Collection Licensing Act (DCLA). Notably, this proposal does not address prior public comments related to a separate rulemaking effort concerning the DCLA's scope and its applicability to creditors—those who extend consumer credit.
Assessment Obligations for Licensees
Under the DCLA, licensed debt collectors are required to contribute annually to the Department's operational costs. This assessment, set to take effect in 2024, is determined based on each licensee's proportional share of expenses. A key factor in this calculation is the "net proceeds" derived from California debtor accounts over the previous year. However, the term "net proceeds" currently lacks a statutory definition.
To provide clarity, the proposed rule seeks to amend Title 10, Section 1850 of the California Code of Regulations, introducing a formal definition of net proceeds.
Annual Reporting Enhancements
In addition to assessment requirements, the DCLA mandates that licensees submit annual reports to the DFPI Commissioner. The proposed rule expands on existing reporting guidelines by specifying additional disclosure requirements and mandating electronic submission of reports.
Public Comment Period Open Until March 27, 2024
Stakeholders and interested parties have until March 27, 2024, to submit comments on the proposed rulemaking. More details on the DFPI's regulatory update can be found in the official notice.
More Articles You Might Like

CFPB focuses on auto finance practices in latest Supervisory Highlights. The report highlights repossession practices it alleges are unfair, including: "Repossession of vehicles without having a valid recorded lien to the vehicle."
The CFPB published its Fall edition of Supervisory Highlights examining the auto finance market, outlining findings on deceptive marketing, improper repossessions, and servicing failures.

New report by the CFPB found that some servicers repossessed vehicles without a recorded lien, causing substantial injury to consumers.
Outstanding auto loan balances totaled more than $1.64 trillion through Q3 2024. The CFPB's auto finance data pilot reveals critical findings on repossession practices.

CFPB Handles 20,000 Consumer Complaints Per Week
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau dispatches 20,000 weekly complaints to companies, seeking their responses. Director Chopra emphasized the resolutions achieved for consumers.