July 22, 2026 — Issue Brief

State exemption laws protect income and property from seizure once a court has ruled that a person owes a certain amount. Without exemption laws, debt collectors would be able to collect that amount by selling the person’s home or seizing their entire paycheck, bank account, car, or household goods. This issue brief outlines how states can strengthen these protections and prevent debt collectors from pushing families into destitution.

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