Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) staff letter: Willison
July 15, 1993 · Section 803(6)(C) [1692a(6)(C)]
Topic: Government agency exemption
Staff opinion letters are informal views of FTC staff, not binding Commission rulings, and some were later superseded by statutory amendments (including the 2006 FDCPA amendments) or later guidance. Check current law before relying on any letter.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20580
Division of Credit Practices Bureau of Consumer Protection
July 15, 1993
Stephen P. Willison
Research Assistant
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
217 South Capitol Avenue
P.O. Box 13038
Lansing, Michigan 48901
Dear Mr. Willison:
This is in reply to your letter of June 23, 1993, concerning the collection activities of counties that, pursuant to state law, seek reimbursement from former prisoners for maintenance and support supplied by the counties while the prisoners are in prison.
It is our opinion that the collection activities of counties and/or county employees, to the extent that the counties or their employees are performing their official duties, are not covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Section 803(6)(C), 15 U.S.C. § 1692a(6)(C). Thus, since these activities are not covered by the Act, they cannot be held to violate it.
Your interest in writing is appreciated.
Sincerely,
John F. LeFevre
Program Advisor for
General Credit
Source: FTC staff letter as archived by the U.S. National Archives web harvest, archived copy. Works of the U.S. government.