Congresswoman Nikema Williams Introduces Legislation to Help Build Credit and Increase Access to Homeownership

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) reintroduced the Expanding Access to Credit through Consumer-Permissioned Data Act. The legislation would increase access to homeownership by tasking lenders—at the request of applicants–to consider financial data that historically is not included in credit scores, such as rental payment history, bank statement information, and pay stubs. Considering this data would help individuals who are credit invisible to have a fairer opportunity to buy a home.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said: 

“I’ve been unbanked. I know what it’s like to work hard, pay your bills, and do everything right, only to have the financial system tell you that you don’t qualify.

Today, I’m a homeowner, and I’m committed to making sure others have the same opportunity. If someone can show they’re a responsible borrower, they shouldn’t be locked out of homeownership because they lack a traditional credit score.

Homeownership is one of the most powerful tools we have to build generational wealth and close the racial wealth gap. My legislation will expand access to homeownership by recognizing financial responsibility wherever it’s found, helping more families secure the promise of America and build lasting wealth for future generations.”

32 million Americans, disproportionately people of color and low income borrowers, are locked out of homeownership despite paying rent and bills on time, simply because that financial behavior isn’t captured in traditional credit scores. This bill gives those borrowers a way to put their real financial history in front of a lender and have it actually count.

The Expanding Access to Credit through Consumer-Permissioned Data Act is co-sponsored by Congresswomen Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Alma Adams (NC-12) and Gwen Moore (WI-04).

The Expanding Access to Credit through Consumer-Permissioned Data Act is endorsed by the Consumer Federation of America and National Consumer Law Center.

Click here to read the text of the Expanding Access to Credit through Consumer-Permissioned Data Act. 

Click here to read the one-pager on the Expanding Access to Credit through Consumer-Permissioned Data Act.