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Programs that offer early wage access or pay advance benefits should be regulated as loans subject to state and federal law (see also

Policymakers should limit refinancing of consumer loans. They should eliminate rollovers, including taking a new loan out shortly after paying off a prior loan. 

Regulators should provide robust oversight to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local consumer protection laws.

Policymakers should establish rights and protections for customers who face possible termination of service.  

Policymakers should prohibit fees for the disconnection or reconnection of customers. If fees are allowed, they should be based on actual utility costs. 

Policymakers should ensure strong consumer protections against unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts and practices related to Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans. 

State policymakers should establish a definition of “universal service” for the energy industry that is similar to the one in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Policymakers should create assistance programs to ensure that all households with low incomes can afford adequate water and sewer service. These programs should be fully funded.

All financial aid, including grants and federal student loans, should be exhausted before a student is offered an ISA. 

Policymakers at all levels of government should expand access to homeownership opportunities to help families build wealth and lock in affordable housing payments over the long term.