WASHINGTON -- After years of waiting, credit unions and others are now able to review and comment on proposed regulations and guidelines regarding credit report accuracy and consumer dispute processes.
NCUA, together with the federal banking agencies and the Federal Trade Commission, issued proposed rules and guidelines last week to aid the integrity of credit report information and provide for consumers' direct disputes with the information furnishers, such as credit unions.
The proposals implement section 312 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, which Congress passed in 2003. Democratic lawmakers, notably House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.), had previously observed how long the regulators were taking to implement the new law.
The proposal aims to ensure the accuracy and integrity of information provided to consumer reporting agencies by providing guidelines for financial institutions and other information furnishers. The proposal would also allow consumers to directly dispute inaccuracies with financial institutions and other entities that furnish information to consumer reporting agencies. Such information is often used in determining creditworthiness, employment, insurance and rental housing.
The public comment period is for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, which was expected shortly.
