HB5402, titled the Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2025, would amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to expressly allow certain “full-file” consumer credit information to be furnished to consumer reporting agencies. The bill covers payment performance information tied to residential lease agreements, including subsidized housing leases, and to utility and telecommunications service contracts. It also defines utility-related terms for energy utility firms and utility or telecommunication firms, and limits the type of utility usage information that may be reported to information tied to payment terms, deposits, discounts, or service interruption/termination conditions.
The bill further provides that an energy utility firm may not report a consumer as late on an outstanding balance if the consumer is in and complying with a qualifying payment plan, such as a deferred payment agreement, arrearage management program, or debt forgiveness program. Consumers would also have the right to opt out of furnishing this information by submitting a written request. In addition, the bill amends the FCRA’s liability provisions to account for the new reporting authority and requires the Comptroller General to study the consumer impacts of this reporting and its effect on credit scores, including the use of cash flow data in credit reporting.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would expand the categories of information that may be reported under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, particularly rent, utility, and telecommunications payment data. It would create a federal framework for reporting these “full-file” data elements, while also adding consumer protections such as an opt-out mechanism and a restriction on late reporting for consumers who are current under certain utility payment plans. The bill would also require a GAO report within two years on consumer impacts and credit score effects, potentially informing future federal policy on alternative credit data and inclusion in credit scoring.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests generally favorable committee sentiment, as reflected by the bill being ordered to be reported on a 28-23 vote. That margin indicates support, but not unanimity, and suggests the measure was considered significant and somewhat divisive. No floor debate or transcript excerpts are provided, so the broader public or member rhetoric cannot be assessed beyond the committee vote and the bill’s consumer-access framing.
Contention
The main points of contention likely center on whether expanding reporting of rent, utility, and telecom payment data improves credit access or increases the risk of harm to consumers through negative reporting. Supporters appear to view the bill as a credit inclusion measure that could help consumers with limited traditional credit histories build scores using recurring payment data. Opponents may be concerned about privacy, the accuracy and fairness of reporting utility and rental information, and the possibility that consumers could be penalized for essential-service payment issues. The 28-23 committee vote suggests these policy tradeoffs were the primary source of disagreement.