§ 901.4 - Criteria for determination.

The Commission will consider the criteria set forth below, and any other relevant information, in determining whether the law of a State is substantially similar to, or provides greater protection to consumers than, the provisions of sections 803 through 812 of the Act regarding the class of debt collection practices within that State, and whether there is adequate provision for State enforcement of such law. In making that determination, the Commission primarily will consider each provision of the State law in comparison with each corresponding provision in sections 803 through 812 of the Act, and not the State law as a whole in comparison with the Act as a whole.

(a) In order for provisions of State law to be substantially similar to, or provide greater protection to consumers than the provisions of sections 803 through 812 of the Act, the provisions of State law 3 at least shall provide that:

(1) Definitions and rules of construction, as applicable, import the same meaning and have the same application as those prescribed by sections 803 through 812 of the Act.

(2) Debt collectors provide all of the applicable notifications required by the provisions of sections 803 through 812 of the Act, with the content and in the terminology, form, and time periods prescribed by this part pursuant to sections 803 through 812; however, required references to State law may be substituted for the references to Federal law required in this part. Notification requirements under State law in additional circumstances or with additional detail that do not frustrate any of the purposes of the Act may be determined by the Commission to be consistent with sections 803 through 812 of the Act;

(3) Debt Collectors take all affirmative actions and abide by obligations substantially similar to, or more extensive than, those prescribed by sections 803 through 812 of the Act under substantially similar or more stringent conditions and within the same or more stringent time periods as are prescribed in sections 803 through 812 of the Act;

(4) Debt Collectors abide by the same or more stringent prohibitions as are prescribed by sections 803 through 812 of the act;

(5) Obligations or responsibilities imposed on consumers are no more costly, lengthy, or burdensome relative to consumers exercising any of the rights or gaining the benefits of the protections provided in the State law than corresponding obligations or responsibilities imposed on consumers in sections 803 through 812 of the act.

(6) Consumers' rights and protections are substantially similar to, or more favorable than, those provided by sections 803 through 812 of the Act under conditions or within time periods that are substantially similar to, or more favorable to consumers than, those prescribed by sections 803 through 812 of the Act.

(b) In determining whether provisions for enforcement of the State law referred to in § 901.3(a) are adequate, consideration will be given to the extent to which, under State law, provision is made for administrative enforcement, including necessary facilities, personnel, and funding.