Positive credit reporting permitted

(a)

In general

Section 623 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681s–2) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(f)

Full-File credit reporting

(1)

In general

Subject to the limitation in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person or the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may furnish to a consumer reporting agency information relating to the performance of a consumer in making payments— (A)under a lease agreement with respect to a dwelling, including such a lease in which the Department of Housing and Urban Development provides subsidized payments for occupancy in a dwelling; or (B)pursuant to a contract for a utility or telecommunications service. (2)

Limitation

Information about a consumer’s usage of any utility services provided by a utility or telecommunication firm may be furnished to a consumer reporting agency only to the extent that such information relates to payment by the consumer for the services of such utility or telecommunication service or other terms of the provision of the services to the consumer, including any deposit, discount, or conditions for interruption or termination of the services. (3)

Payment plan

An energy utility firm may not report payment information to a consumer reporting agency with respect to an outstanding balance of a consumer as late if— (A)the energy utility firm and the consumer have entered into a payment plan (including a deferred payment agreement, an arrearage management program, or a debt forgiveness program) with respect to such outstanding balance; and (B)the consumer is meeting the obligations of the payment plan, as determined by the energy utility firm. (4)

Definitions

In this subsection, the following definitions shall apply: (A)

Energy utility firm

The term energy utility firm means an entity that provides gas or electric utility services to the public. (B)

Utility or telecommunication firm

The term utility or telecommunication firm means an entity that provides utility services to the public through pipe, wire, landline, wireless, cable, or other connected facilities, or radio, electronic, or similar transmission (including the extension of such facilities).

(b)

Limitation on liability

Section 623(c) of the Consumer Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 1681s–2(c)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (2), by striking or at the end; (2)by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and (3)by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:

(3)subsection (f) of this section, including any regulations issued thereunder; or

(c)

GAO study and report

Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on the impact of furnishing information pursuant to subsection (f) of section 623 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681s–2) (as added by this Act) on consumers.