H.R. 4096 — Financial Empowerment and Protection Act

This section establishes requirements for covered companies (i.e., electric, gas, and water utilities; sanitary landfills; internet access, telephone service, and multichannel video programming distributors; residential landlords, mortgage originators, servicers, and leasers; state-licensed childcare providers; and certain creditors) to allow consenting cohabitating adults to open joint accounts for managing company services and bills, provided all adults agree. Such accounts must be in both adults' names; companies must provide account information (e.g., bills, mail, product details), online portal access, and shared-information notices upon request; comply with Regulation P privacy notices; and face civil liability of up to $1,000 per violation. The requirements apply beginning 180 days after enactment.

This section establishes a prohibition on charging fees to applicants or tenants in covered housing programs (i.e., specified HUD, USDA, VA, and other federal housing assistance programs) who voluntarily terminate their lease early due to being a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (Thus, such victims may exit leases without penalty notwithstanding any lease agreement.)