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  1. What We Do
  2. State & Local Projects
  3. State Legislative Advocacy

State Legislative Advocacy

Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights
Private Student Loan State Legislation
State TRAPs Legislative Toolkit
State OPMS Legislative Toolkit

In state capitals, lawmakers and local advocates are fighting for stronger laws to protect borrowers.

As dysfunction and corruption grips Washington, borrowers depend on state lawmakers to step into the breach and protect them from mismanagement and abuse by financial firms. Each year, states across the country pass new laws that protect borrowers from emerging risks and strengthen the state laws that ensure families are treated fairly across the economy. These laws can have an immediate effect in communities across the country, and serve as models for national policy change.

What We’re Doing

We support state and local partners that work in state capitals, fighting for stronger state laws to protect borrowers. We develop model state legislation, produce new research that spotlights how industry abuses harm families in states and communities across the country, testify in legislative hearings, and support organizations fighting for change.

Latest Work


  • Press Releases
    Mar 31, 2026

    New Study Warns That 40% of Americans—Including Nearly Two-Thirds of Pell Grant Recipients—Cannot Qualify for a Traditional Private Student Loan

    A study published by Protect Borrowers and The Century Foundation warns that more than 40% of U.S. college students—including nearly two thirds of Pell Grant recipients—would not qualify for a traditional private student loan.

    More


  • Testimony & Remarks
    Mar 26, 2026

    Witness Testimonies Before the Little Hoover Commission’s Public Hearing on Institutional Debt in California

    Written witness testimonies of Aissa Canchola Bañez, Samantha Seng, Professor Dalié Jiménez, and Associate Professor Charlie Eaton before the Little Hoover Commission’s first ever public hearing on institutional debt in California.

    More


  • Press Releases
    Mar 26, 2026

    Little Hoover Commission Convenes Historic Hearing on Institutional Debt Crisis Across California

    Experts testified before the Little Hoover Commission’s hearing entitled, “Student Debt to California Colleges and Universities.” The historic hearing marks the first time the Commission is investigating the growth of institutional debt and exploring potential policy solutions to better protect students across California.

    More


  • Testimony & Remarks
    Mar 11, 2026

    Testimony of Chris Hicks Before the MN House Committee on Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

    See here to read Chris Hick’s March 11, 2026, testimony.

    More


  • Testimony & Remarks
    Feb 25, 2026

    Testimony of Jacob DuMez Before the MD Senate Budget and Taxation Committee

    See here to read Jacob DuMez’s February 23, 2026, testimony.

    More


  • Press Releases
    Dec 22, 2025

    Mayor-Elect Mamdani Appoints Protect Borrowers Advisory Board Member to Lead NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection

    Sam Levine brings deep expertise protecting borrowers and holding financial actors accountable.

    More


  • Press Releases
    Dec 22, 2025

    Coast-to-Coast Crackdown: New York Joins California in Banning Predatory “Stay-or-Pay” Contracts

    With Governor Hochul’s signature, new law will ensure hundreds of thousands of workers are free from employer-driven debt.

    More


  • Blogs
    Oct 16, 2025

    What Everyone Can Learn from California’s Fight Against Predatory Auto Lending

    Even as the Trump Administration turns its back on consumers, states are stepping up.

    More


  • Press Releases
    Oct 13, 2025

    California Bans TRAPs and “Stay-or-Pay” Contracts Across the World’s Fourth Largest Economy

    With Governor Newsom’s signature, nurses, pet groomers, and millions of other workers are free from predatory employer-driven debt.

    More


  • Press Releases
    Sep 10, 2025

    California State Senate Votes to Protect Workers From TRAPs

    Bill would ensure workers have protections against employer-driven debt.

    More

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