State Shift

Attorneys general are appointed by the governor in Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire and Wyoming. They are elected by the legislature in Maine and by the state Supreme Court in Tennessee. The Maine legislature switched from Democratic to Republican control, making it all but certain that the new attorney general will be a Republican. It is possible the industry may enjoy a more pro-business climate, but the debt collection and asset buying industries continue to come under significant public scrutiny. This trickles up to attorneys general, who must protect consumers, and legislators, who may be seeking opportunities to help their voters. For example, this fall a conservative legislator introduced legislation that would have imposed extremely onerous requirements on a debt collector's use of an autodialer. The ACA International Interstate Committee implores you to get involved now, at a time when state legislators are new and where newly elected attorneys general and governors are learning about their responsibilities. Set up a coffee appointment with your state legislators. Educate them about the credit and collection industry, be honest and tell your unit or national association about your meeting so we can leverage these connections.