{"meta":{"key":"s_mn--pass-01","task":"S_MN","title":"SMN — Minnesota Debt Settlement and Debt Management","parent_title":"Minnesota debt and debt relief law","edition":"pass-01","path":"/research/s_mn--pass-01/","kind":"split_pass","category":"state","role":"state","area_numbers":[66],"groups":["collections"],"date":"2026-10-25","tables":6,"claims":20,"sources":11,"review_status":"revise","review_complete":true,"sha256":"472a61dd5ad8bb1a8512395086fdd1d263f53e4731567cdecac7a8e0f7375cd1","headings":["A. Substantive findings","1. Minnesota regulates settlement and debt management separately","2. Minnesota is a registration state for covered debt settlement services","3. Minnesota has two alternative statutory settlement-fee ceilings","4. An important 2026 legislative change requires reconciliation","5. Collection timing: Minnesota imposes a substantial performance condition","6. Debt management fees are materially different","7. Regulator access and actual registration","B. Source register","C. Claim register","D. Worked examples and coverage","Example 1 — Percentage-of-debt settlement","Example 2 — Percentage-of-savings settlement","Example 3 — Multiple debts, partial performance","Example 4 — Previously earned fees, same allocation method","Example 5 — Low-payment debt management plan","Example 6 — Higher-payment DMP","Example 7 — Settlement cancellation with prior fee","Scope coverage and exact next investigations","E. Researcher self-check","PASS-01 disposition"],"generation_provenance":{"actual_route":"regular_chat_adaptive_models","actual_model":"GPT-5.6 Sol","actual_mode":"Pro","provenance_limit":"Actual documented capture labels only; missing labels remain unknown. No preferred setting is inferred as actual execution."},"public_id":"S_MN/pass-01","facets":{"geography":["us","us-mn"],"debt_type":[],"stage":["settlement"],"subject":["counseling-dmp","settlement-negotiation"]},"scope":"FreshMinnesota provider-access/feescomponentonly; allbroaderstatecategoriesrequired","pending_corrections":0},"markdown":"# S_MN — Minnesota Debt Settlement and Debt Management\n\nPASS-01 | Provider market access, consumer fees, and payment timing\n\nResearch date: October 24, 2026 (Pacific)\nBaseline: October 22, 2026 — historical reference only\nJurisdiction: Minnesota\nScope: Provider classification, registration, exemptions, fees, collection timing, operational verification, and bounded examples.\n\nResearch status: PARTIAL — substantive statutory findings established, with current-law and operational verification holds.\n\nThis is a focused component of the SettleADebt.com Minnesota dossier, not a completed statewide legal investigation or authorization to conduct business.\n\n## A. Substantive findings\n\n### 1. Minnesota regulates settlement and debt management separately\n\nMinnesota has two important statutory regimes:\n\n- Chapter 332B — Debt Settlement Services: Primarily covers negotiating reduced debt obligations, including reductions in principal, interest, fees, or other charges. It also expressly reaches advice about accumulating funds for future settlements and certain delinquent-tax negotiation services.\n- Chapter 332A — Debt Management Services: Primarily covers receiving debtor funds and distributing periodic payments to creditors to accomplish full repayment of consumer debt.\n\nThe distinction is functional, not determined by whether a company calls itself a debt relief business, debt counselor, financial wellness company, or debt negotiation platform.\n\nThe Department of Commerce describes both activities as subject to registration, including when the provider is outside Minnesota. Licensing+2\n\n### 2. Minnesota is a registration state for covered debt settlement services\n\nMinnesota Statutes §332B.03 expressly makes operating or providing covered debt settlement services without prior registration unlawful, except as otherwise authorized by law.\n\nThe restriction includes offering, advertising, and executing covered debt settlement services or agreements. It is not limited to collecting money after enrollment.\n\nThe law has applied to new agreements since August 1, 2009, with a specific grandfathering provision for qualifying earlier agreements.\n\nPractical implication: A remote, for-profit company marketing consumer debt settlement to Minnesota-domiciled debtors generally needs to establish an applicable exemption or obtain Minnesota registration before beginning covered activities. A registration in another state is not, by itself, Minnesota registration. MN Revisor's Office+1\n\n### 3. Minnesota has two alternative statutory settlement-fee ceilings\n\nUnder §332B.09, the provider may use one of two disclosed fee methodologies.\n\nPercentage of debt\n\n# 15%\n\nMaximum of aggregate debt\n\nPercentage of savings\n\n# 30%\n\nMaximum of qualifying negotiated savings\n\nThe statute requires the selected structure to be disclosed and explained in the agreement.\n\nFor the savings method, the statutory definition ties savings to the difference between debts identified at agreement execution and the amounts actually paid to settle them. Only concessions actually negotiated by the provider qualify.\n\nThese are ceilings, not permission to collect the entire fee immediately or charge both maximums. MN Revisor's Office+1\n\n### 4. An important 2026 legislative change requires reconciliation\n\nThe official Revisor's chapter indexes expressly warn that legislation enacted during the 2026 regular session affected both regimes:\n\n| Provision | Reported legislative change |\n| --- | --- |\n| §332A.02, subdivision 2 | Repealed by 2026 Chapter 124, Article 1, §63 |\n| §332A.04, subdivision 1 | Amended by Article 1, §59 |\n| §332B.02, subdivision 2 | Repealed by Article 1, §63 |\n| §332B.04, subdivision 1 | Amended by Article 1, §60 |\n\nThe displayed statutory compilation is labeled 2025 Minnesota Statutes. Consequently, it cannot be treated as fully consolidated October 2026 law without checking the session-law text and its applicable effective dates.\n\nThe principal 15% and 30% provisions appear in the 2025 official text, but the currentness of the entire regulatory framework remains qualified until the 2026 changes are reconciled. MN Revisor's Office+1\n\n### 5. Collection timing: Minnesota imposes a substantial performance condition\n\nSection 332B.09, subdivision 3, provides that a debt settlement provider may not impose or collect payment under the agreement before fully performing both the debt settlement services in the agreement and any additional promised services.\n\nFor agreements involving multiple debts, the same subdivision imposes a proportional limitation tied to each individual settled debt's share of aggregate debt.\n\nThis creates two separate tests:\n\n1. Amount test: Is the fee within the statutory ceiling and correct debt allocation?\n2. Timing test: Have all services necessary to make that particular fee collectible been performed?\n\nA settlement offer alone should not automatically be treated as satisfying every statutory collection condition. The cancellation provision also has specific exceptions for rejected offers and subsequent debtor settlements, requiring separate analysis.\n\nSection 332B.09(4) prohibits other compensation and requires immediate return of excess fees. Section 332B.07 addresses cancellation and refunds. MN Revisor's Office+1\n\n### 6. Debt management fees are materially different\n\nThe official 2025 text of §332A.13 provides:\n\n| Fee or allocation | Statutory rule |\n| --- | --- |\n| Origination | Maximum $50, nonrefundable |\n| Monthly maintenance | Reasonable for services; maximum lesser of 15% of monthly payment or $75 |\n| Periodic-payment retention | No more than 15% of any periodic payment |\n| Creditor distribution | Remaining 85% must be distributed under the plan |\n| Additional provider fees | Not authorized beyond the statutory origination and maintenance fees |\n| Recurring-payment handling | No separate handling fee |\n\nThe 15% and $75 figures are alternative constraints on the same maintenance fee, not additive allowances.\n\nThe $50 origination fee and monthly maintenance fee are not debt settlement fee categories that can simply be imported into Chapter 332B. MN Revisor's Office+1\n\n### 7. Regulator access and actual registration\n\nThe Minnesota Department of Commerce identifies the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) as the application and renewal mechanism for both debt settlement and debt management providers.\n\nIts public instructions identify a $5,000 electronic surety bond requirement and annual December 31 registration expiration. A separate Minnesota licensing listing identifies a $1,000 initial registration fee and $250 renewal fee for debt settlement providers.\n\nThose amounts are government/provider licensing expenses, not consumer fee allowances.\n\nOfficial operational resources:\n\n- [Minnesota Commerce — Debt Services](https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/financial-institutions/debt-services/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n- [Debt Settlement Provider License listing](https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231349&utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n- [NMLS — Minnesota licensing requirements](https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=MN&utm_source=chatgpt.com)\n\nThese establish an application pathway, not registration for SettleADebt.com or any particular operator. No named provider's registration has been verified. mn.gov // Minnesota's State Portal+1\n\n## B. Source register\n\nAll checks below occurred October 24, 2026. “Read” means the official HTML passage was returned and inspected through the regular-chat public web tool; it does not mean that every subsection, linked document, or legislative history was verified.\n\n| Source ID | Authority, literal URL, pinpoint | Status and limitations |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| S_MN-P1-S001 | Minnesota Revisor, Chapter 332B, [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B/full](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com) — §§332B.02–.14, especially .07 and .09 | Official 2025 compilation; opened and relevant fee/cancellation passages inspected. 2026 amendment warning. |\n| S_MN-P1-S002 | Minnesota Revisor, Chapter 332A, [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332A/full](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332A/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com) — §§332A.02–.19, especially .03, .04 and .13 | Official 2025 compilation; opened and relevant registration/fee passages inspected. 2026 amendment warning. |\n| S_MN-P1-S003 | Minnesota Revisor, §332B.03, [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.03](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.03?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Official registration prohibition; search-rendered operative text, not separately opened. |\n| S_MN-P1-S004 | Minnesota Revisor, §332B.02, [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.02](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.02?utm_source=chatgpt.com) — subdivisions 10, 13, 13a | Official definitions/exempt-attorney text; search-rendered, with related chapter text available in S001. |\n| S_MN-P1-S005 | Minnesota Commerce, [https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/financial-institutions/debt-services/](https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/financial-institutions/debt-services/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) — Debt Management and Debt Settlement sections | Official agency procedure; opened and read. Does not replace enacted law. |\n| S_MN-P1-S006 | Minnesota eLicense, [https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231349](https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231349&utm_source=chatgpt.com) — Debt Settlement Provider listing | Official operational listing; search-rendered. Modified August 25, 2026; modification is not legal effective date. |\n| S_MN-P1-S007 | Minnesota eLicense, [https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-230795](https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-230795&utm_source=chatgpt.com) — Debt Management listing | Official operational listing; search-rendered. |\n| S_MN-P1-S008 | Minnesota Revisor, §332A.10, [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332a.10](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332a.10?utm_source=chatgpt.com) — subdivisions 1, 3 and modification provision | Official agreement provisions; search-rendered. |\n| S_MN-P1-S009 | Minnesota Revisor, §332B.09, [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.09](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.09?utm_source=chatgpt.com) — subdivisions 1–4 | Official fee text, also read in S001; same authority, separate section URL. |\n| S_MN-P1-S010 | Minnesota Revisor, 2026 Chapter 124, Article 1, §§59, 60, 63 — session-law document URL not retrieved | Discovery only: 2026 amendment references in official chapter indexes. Actual session-law clauses and effective dates not verified. |\n| S_MN-P1-S011 | NMLS Minnesota licensing page, [https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=MN](https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=MN&utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Agency-linked application destination; underlying live checklist, lookup and actual registration not read. |\n\nNo full operative Minnesota administrative rule or adoption order, controlling judicial decision, federal TSR passage, CROA passage, or fee-adjustment bulletin was authenticated during this pass. These omissions are preserved rather than treated as negative findings.\n\n## C. Claim register\n\nConfidence refers to the cited evidence, not to legal clearance for a particular business.\n\n| Claim ID | Precise assertion | Source / pinpoint | Disposition |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| S_MN-P1-C001 | Covered debt settlement activity is defined by reduced-debt negotiation, qualifying savings-account advice, or specified tax services. | S004, §332B.02(10) | Supported; boundary exceptions remain |\n| C002 | Minnesota domicile and remote provision are expressly contemplated. | S004, §332B.02(13); S005 | Supported |\n| C003 | Covered settlement providers must register before operating, offering or advertising, unless authorized otherwise. | S003, §332B.03 | Supported |\n| C004 | Covered full-repayment distribution services fall under Chapter 332A. | S002, §332A.02(9) | Supported; mixed models require classification |\n| C005 | Covered DMP providers must register; prior debt-prorater transition provisions exist. | S002, §332A.03 | Supported, historical exceptions qualified |\n| C006 | An attorney exemption is conditional, including principal-practice and provider-business-relationship tests. | S004, §332B.02(13a) | Supported for 332B; complete cross-exemptions held |\n| C007 | Settlement fee methods are debt percentage or savings percentage. | S001, §332B.09(1) | Supported |\n| C008 | Percentage-of-debt ceiling is 15% of aggregate debt. | S001, §332B.09(2)(1); .02(4) | Supported |\n| C009 | Percentage-of-savings ceiling is 30% of qualifying negotiated savings. | S001, §332B.09(2)(2) | Supported; partial-plan treatment held |\n| C010 | Settlement fee collection requires specified completed performance and proportional allocation for multiple debts. | S001, §332B.09(3) | Supported; timing interpretation needs additional review |\n| C011 | Settlement fees beyond §332B.09 are prohibited and excess fees must be returned. | S001, §332B.09(4) | Supported |\n| C012 | Cancellation includes ten-day written notice, fee-refund rules and exceptions. | S001, §332B.07(1) | Supported; exception interaction held |\n| C013 | DMP origination fee is capped at $50. | S002, §332A.13(1) | Supported |\n| C014 | DMP maintenance fee is capped at lesser of 15% of monthly payment or $75, subject to reasonableness. | S002, §332A.13(2) | Supported |\n| C015 | DMP additional charges and periodic-payment retention are restricted. | S002, §332A.13(3)–(4) | Supported |\n| C016 | Commerce uses NMLS and describes annual registration, bond and renewal requirements. | S005–S007 | Operationally supported; live checklist not verified |\n| C017 | The official 2025 chapters carry explicit 2026 amendment notices. | S001–S002, chapter headings | Verified notice; operative effective status held |\n| C018 | Minnesota registration of any particular company has been established. | None | Not established |\n| C019 | A particular fee schedule satisfies both Minnesota and federal timing rules. | Federal operative authority not read | Held |\n| C020 | Current operative rules, court interpretations and adjustment notices have been exhaustively checked. | None | Not established |\n\n## D. Worked examples and coverage\n\nThese examples test the displayed statutory formulas. They assume a properly registered provider, a compliant written agreement, qualifying consumer debts, and no separate legal disqualification. They do not establish that the fee is presently collectible or that federal law permits collection.\n\nAll figures are USD, rounded to cents; no intermediate rounding is necessary.\n\n### Example 1 — Percentage-of-debt settlement\n\n- Agreement includes one $20,000 consumer debt, consisting of qualifying principal and interest at execution.\n- Contract specifies the maximum 15% debt-based fee.\n- Calculation: $20,000 × 0.15 = $3,000 maximum contractual fee.\n- Creditor later agrees to accept $12,000.\n\nThe $3,000 ceiling does not depend on the $8,000 reduction. However, the provider must independently satisfy §332B.09(3)'s performance and collection requirements.\n\nResult: $3,000 is the mathematical ceiling, not an automatically earned fee. [C007, C008, C010]\n\n### Example 2 — Percentage-of-savings settlement\n\n- Initial aggregate debt: $20,000.\n- Amount actually paid to settle the debt: $12,000.\n- All $8,000 in concessions are assumed to have been negotiated by the provider.\n- Savings: $20,000 − $12,000 = $8,000.\n- Maximum fee: $8,000 × 0.30 = $2,400.\n\nIf $2,000 of the apparent savings came from an independent creditor concession not negotiated by the provider, qualifying savings would instead be $6,000, giving a maximum of $1,800, subject to verification of the statutory savings calculation.\n\nResult: The savings base requires actual negotiated concessions, not merely a reduction in the account balance. [C009, C010]\n\n### Example 3 — Multiple debts, partial performance\n\nAssume three enrolled debts under one agreement using the 15%-of-debt method:\n\n| Debt | Original enrolled balance | Allocated maximum fee |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| A | $5,000 | $750 |\n| B | $10,000 | $1,500 |\n| C | $15,000 | $2,250 |\n| Total | $30,000 | $4,500 |\n\nThe contractual maximum is $30,000 × 15% = $4,500.\n\nIf Debt A alone is settled and all legally required services associated with its fee have been fully performed:\n\n$4,500×$5,000$30,000=$750\\$4,500\\times\\frac{\\$5,000}{\\$30,000}=\\$750$4,500×$30,000$5,000​=$750The allocation calculation produces $750. It does not make the remaining $3,750 collectible.\n\nThere are no earlier earned fees in this example, so the allocation is internally consistent. A further question remains whether the agreement's full-performance obligations permit collecting the allocated amount before completion of the entire plan.\n\nResult: $750 is the proportional maximum attributable to Debt A, conditional on lawful timing. [C008, C010]\n\n### Example 4 — Previously earned fees, same allocation method\n\nContinue Example 3 without changing balances, method, or total contracted fee.\n\nAssume Debt A has been fully performed and a $750 fee was lawfully earned and collected. Debt B is subsequently settled, and all legally necessary performance conditions are assumed satisfied.\n\n- Total contracted fee: $4,500.\n- Debt A allocation: $750.\n- Debt B allocation: $4,500 × ($10,000 / $30,000) = $1,500.\n- Cumulative potentially collectible allocation: $750 + $1,500 = $2,250.\n- Remaining allocated fee for Debt C: $2,250.\n\nThe earlier $750 is consistent with the same debt-based allocation. It was not inferred merely from receipt of a consumer payment.\n\nResult: Debt B's $1,500 allocation is mathematically consistent, but actual collection still requires the statutory performance test. [C010]\n\n### Example 5 — Low-payment debt management plan\n\nA registered DMP provider receives a scheduled monthly payment of $300.\n\n- Fifteen percent: $300 × 0.15 = $45.\n- Dollar ceiling: $75.\n- Lesser ceiling: $45.\n- At least $255 must remain for distribution to creditors under the agreement.\n\nAssuming a $45 fee is reasonable for the services, that is the monthly maximum. A separate $50 origination fee may be permitted from the initial payment, subject to the distinct statutory retention, allocation, and timing provisions. The interaction must not be ignored.\n\nResult: $45 monthly maintenance ceiling; reasonableness and initial-payment accounting remain necessary. [C013–C015]\n\n### Example 6 — Higher-payment DMP\n\n- Monthly debtor payment: $800.\n- Fifteen percent: $120.\n- Fixed ceiling: $75.\n- Maximum reasonable maintenance fee: $75.\n- Amount remaining for creditors: $725.\n\nThe $75 fee is 9.375% of the payment and therefore also satisfies the 15% periodic-retention ceiling.\n\nResult: $75, provided the amount is reasonable and all plan conditions are met. [C014, C015]\n\n### Example 7 — Settlement cancellation with prior fee\n\nAssume the three-debt agreement from Example 3, with only Debt A fully performed and its $750 fee lawfully collected. The debtor then cancels before performance on Debts B and C.\n\n- Previously collected: $750.\n- Previously earned under assumptions: $750.\n- Additional fees assumed earned: $0.\n- Excess over that assumed lawful entitlement: $0.\n\nThe cancellation does not, by itself, establish that the $750 must be refunded. Conversely, it does not permit collecting the remaining $3,750.\n\nSection 332B.07 contains specific rejected-offer and subsequent-settlement exceptions. If those facts arise, the result must be re-evaluated rather than mechanically applying this example.\n\nResult: Conditional retention of $750; no automatic additional fee. [C010–C012]\n\n### Scope coverage and exact next investigations\n\n| Component | Status | Claims | Missing evidence / next action |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Settlement definition | Answered in core | C001–C002 | Complete exempt-entity cross-reference and edge cases |\n| DMP definition | Partial | C004 | Reconcile statutory language against agency's broader description |\n| Consumer/business distinction | Partial | C001, C004 | Verify business-only services and mixed-purpose treatment |\n| Remote-provider nexus | Answered in core | C002–C005 | Verify fact-specific territorial exceptions |\n| Noncustodial settlement | Partial | C001–C003 | Analyze services without holding funds |\n| Custodial DMP | Partial | C004–C005 | Complete statutory funds requirements in later pass |\n| Tax-debt settlement | Partial | C001 | Federal/state tax-service overlap and exemptions |\n| Attorney exemptions | Partial | C006 | Full §332A.02(8) cross-reference and practical conditions |\n| Nonprofit and institutional exemptions | Unresolved | C006 | Read all exempt categories; distinguish nonprofit fee exceptions |\n| Lead generation and referrals | Partial | C001–C003 | Analyze §332B.02(14), §332B.11, referral compensation and licensing boundaries |\n| Settlement percentage-of-debt cap | Answered in core | C007–C008 | Final current-law reconciliation |\n| Settlement percentage-of-savings cap | Partial | C007, C009 | Partial-plan savings interpretation |\n| Settlement fee timing | Partial | C010 | State performance test and federal TSR reconciliation |\n| DMP origination and maintenance | Answered in core | C013–C015 | Initial-payment allocation and exceptional branches |\n| DMP advance-payment rules | Partial | C015 | Apply §332A.13(5) exceptions and payment cadence |\n| Refunds and cancellation | Partial | C011–C012 | Full exceptions, actual funds ledger and timing |\n| State registration procedure | Partial | C016 | Retrieve live NMLS checklists and current regulator registry |\n| Named provider authorization | Unresolved | C018 | Actual company identity and current registration lookup |\n| 2026 statutory changes | Unresolved | C017 | Read Chapter 124, Article 1, §§59, 60, 63 and effective-date provisions |\n| Operative regulations and orders | Unresolved | C020 | Search official Minnesota Rules and adoption/order history |\n| Federal TSR and CROA overlap | Unresolved | C019 | Read operative federal provisions and applicable exceptions |\n| CPI or other fee adjustments | Unresolved | C020 | Verify statutory authority and current official notices; do not calculate assumed adjustments |\n| Controlling case law | Unresolved | C020 | Focused judicial and administrative decision research |\n\nAll other Minnesota dossier categories remain open, including comprehensive agreements, funds and bonding, remedies, debt collection, litigation, limitations, exemptions, secured debt, sector-specific issues, local and tribal law, contracts, and case-law coverage beyond the narrow provider-access questions.\n\n## E. Researcher self-check\n\nActually opened and inspected: The official Minnesota Revisor HTML compilations for Chapters 332A and 332B, including displayed statutory definitions, registration provisions, fee limits, proportional allocation, cancellation, and DMP advance-payment provisions. The official Commerce Debt Services licensing page was also opened.\n\nSearch-rendered or linked but not independently opened in full: Individual statute pages listed in the source register, Minnesota eLicense entries, NMLS application/checklist resources, and the 2026 session-law references.\n\nNot verified: The complete operative 2026 Chapter 124 amendments and effective dates; the current full administrative rules and adoption history; controlling case law; complete institutional and attorney exemptions; federal TSR and CROA text; an actual named provider's registration; and any fee-adjustment notices.\n\nThe official §332A.13(5) passage was additionally read and establishes limits on charging for payments made too far in advance, with exceptions based on payment frequency and certain upcoming obligations. Section 332A.13(6) also addresses creditor consent and cancellation without penalty, while preserving specified previously earned fees. These provisions must be incorporated into any operational DMP fee model. MN Revisor's Office\n\nResearch integrity: This is the original researcher's self-check, not independent legal review. No local file writes, other chats, browser tabs, account changes, applications, contacts, or publication actions were performed.\n\n### PASS-01 disposition\n\nMinnesota has an identifiable statutory registration pathway for debt settlement providers and two express alternative settlement-fee ceilings. The state's performance-based collection restriction is especially consequential for a debt settlement business.\n\nNevertheless, Minnesota is not cleared for launch, fee collection, or A066 acceptance. The unverified 2026 amendments, federal timing interaction, exemption boundaries, operative regulatory materials, and actual provider registration remain material holds.\n\nEND S_MN PASS-01\n\n","tables":[{"headers":[],"index":0,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Provision","Reported legislative change"],["§332A.02, subdivision 2","Repealed by 2026 Chapter 124, Article 1, §63"],["§332A.04, subdivision 1","Amended by Article 1, §59"],["§332B.02, subdivision 2","Repealed by Article 1, §63"],["§332B.04, subdivision 1","Amended by Article 1, §60"]]},{"headers":[],"index":1,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Fee or allocation","Statutory rule"],["Origination","Maximum $50, nonrefundable"],["Monthly maintenance","Reasonable for services; maximum lesser of 15% of monthly payment or $75"],["Periodic-payment retention","No more than 15% of any periodic payment"],["Creditor distribution","Remaining 85% must be distributed under the plan"],["Additional provider fees","Not authorized beyond the statutory origination and maintenance fees"],["Recurring-payment handling","No separate handling fee"]]},{"headers":[],"index":2,"links":[{"href":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B/full"},{"href":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332A/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332A/full"},{"href":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.03?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.03"},{"href":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.02?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.02"},{"href":"https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/financial-institutions/debt-services/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/financial-institutions/debt-services/"},{"href":"https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231349&utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231349"},{"href":"https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-230795&utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-230795"},{"href":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332a.10?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332a.10"},{"href":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.09?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.09"},{"href":"https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=MN&utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=MN"}],"row_links":[[],[{"href":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B/full"}],[{"href":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332A/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332A/full"}],[{"href":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.03?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.03"}],[{"href":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.02?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.02"}],[{"href":"https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/financial-institutions/debt-services/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/financial-institutions/debt-services/"}],[{"href":"https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231349&utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231349"}],[{"href":"https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-230795&utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-230795"}],[{"href":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332a.10?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332a.10"}],[{"href":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.09?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.09"}],[],[{"href":"https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=MN&utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=MN"}]],"rows":[["Source ID","Authority, literal URL, pinpoint","Status and limitations"],["S_MN-P1-S001","Minnesota Revisor, Chapter 332B, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B/full — §§332B.02–.14, especially .07 and .09","Official 2025 compilation; opened and relevant fee/cancellation passages inspected. 2026 amendment warning."],["S_MN-P1-S002","Minnesota Revisor, Chapter 332A, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332A/full — §§332A.02–.19, especially .03, .04 and .13","Official 2025 compilation; opened and relevant registration/fee passages inspected. 2026 amendment warning."],["S_MN-P1-S003","Minnesota Revisor, §332B.03, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.03","Official registration prohibition; search-rendered operative text, not separately opened."],["S_MN-P1-S004","Minnesota Revisor, §332B.02, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.02 — subdivisions 10, 13, 13a","Official definitions/exempt-attorney text; search-rendered, with related chapter text available in S001."],["S_MN-P1-S005","Minnesota Commerce, https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/financial-institutions/debt-services/ — Debt Management and Debt Settlement sections","Official agency procedure; opened and read. Does not replace enacted law."],["S_MN-P1-S006","Minnesota eLicense, https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231349 — Debt Settlement Provider listing","Official operational listing; search-rendered. Modified August 25, 2026; modification is not legal effective date."],["S_MN-P1-S007","Minnesota eLicense, https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-230795 — Debt Management listing","Official operational listing; search-rendered."],["S_MN-P1-S008","Minnesota Revisor, §332A.10, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332a.10 — subdivisions 1, 3 and modification provision","Official agreement provisions; search-rendered."],["S_MN-P1-S009","Minnesota Revisor, §332B.09, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.09 — subdivisions 1–4","Official fee text, also read in S001; same authority, separate section URL."],["S_MN-P1-S010","Minnesota Revisor, 2026 Chapter 124, Article 1, §§59, 60, 63 — session-law document URL not retrieved","Discovery only: 2026 amendment references in official chapter indexes. Actual session-law clauses and effective dates not verified."],["S_MN-P1-S011","NMLS Minnesota licensing page, https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=MN","Agency-linked application destination; underlying live checklist, lookup and actual registration not read."]]},{"headers":[],"index":3,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Claim ID","Precise assertion","Source / pinpoint","Disposition"],["S_MN-P1-C001","Covered debt settlement activity is defined by reduced-debt negotiation, qualifying savings-account advice, or specified tax services.","S004, §332B.02(10)","Supported; boundary exceptions remain"],["C002","Minnesota domicile and remote provision are expressly contemplated.","S004, §332B.02(13); S005","Supported"],["C003","Covered settlement providers must register before operating, offering or advertising, unless authorized otherwise.","S003, §332B.03","Supported"],["C004","Covered full-repayment distribution services fall under Chapter 332A.","S002, §332A.02(9)","Supported; mixed models require classification"],["C005","Covered DMP providers must register; prior debt-prorater transition provisions exist.","S002, §332A.03","Supported, historical exceptions qualified"],["C006","An attorney exemption is conditional, including principal-practice and provider-business-relationship tests.","S004, §332B.02(13a)","Supported for 332B; complete cross-exemptions held"],["C007","Settlement fee methods are debt percentage or savings percentage.","S001, §332B.09(1)","Supported"],["C008","Percentage-of-debt ceiling is 15% of aggregate debt.","S001, §332B.09(2)(1); .02(4)","Supported"],["C009","Percentage-of-savings ceiling is 30% of qualifying negotiated savings.","S001, §332B.09(2)(2)","Supported; partial-plan treatment held"],["C010","Settlement fee collection requires specified completed performance and proportional allocation for multiple debts.","S001, §332B.09(3)","Supported; timing interpretation needs additional review"],["C011","Settlement fees beyond §332B.09 are prohibited and excess fees must be returned.","S001, §332B.09(4)","Supported"],["C012","Cancellation includes ten-day written notice, fee-refund rules and exceptions.","S001, §332B.07(1)","Supported; exception interaction held"],["C013","DMP origination fee is capped at $50.","S002, §332A.13(1)","Supported"],["C014","DMP maintenance fee is capped at lesser of 15% of monthly payment or $75, subject to reasonableness.","S002, §332A.13(2)","Supported"],["C015","DMP additional charges and periodic-payment retention are restricted.","S002, §332A.13(3)–(4)","Supported"],["C016","Commerce uses NMLS and describes annual registration, bond and renewal requirements.","S005–S007","Operationally supported; live checklist not verified"],["C017","The official 2025 chapters carry explicit 2026 amendment notices.","S001–S002, chapter headings","Verified notice; operative effective status held"],["C018","Minnesota registration of any particular company has been established.","None","Not established"],["C019","A particular fee schedule satisfies both Minnesota and federal timing rules.","Federal operative authority not read","Held"],["C020","Current operative rules, court interpretations and adjustment notices have been exhaustively checked.","None","Not established"]]},{"headers":[],"index":4,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Debt","Original enrolled balance","Allocated maximum fee"],["A","$5,000","$750"],["B","$10,000","$1,500"],["C","$15,000","$2,250"],["Total","$30,000","$4,500"]]},{"headers":[],"index":5,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Component","Status","Claims","Missing evidence / next action"],["Settlement definition","Answered in core","C001–C002","Complete exempt-entity cross-reference and edge cases"],["DMP definition","Partial","C004","Reconcile statutory language against agency's broader description"],["Consumer/business distinction","Partial","C001, C004","Verify business-only services and mixed-purpose treatment"],["Remote-provider nexus","Answered in core","C002–C005","Verify fact-specific territorial exceptions"],["Noncustodial settlement","Partial","C001–C003","Analyze services without holding funds"],["Custodial DMP","Partial","C004–C005","Complete statutory funds requirements in later pass"],["Tax-debt settlement","Partial","C001","Federal/state tax-service overlap and exemptions"],["Attorney exemptions","Partial","C006","Full §332A.02(8) cross-reference and practical conditions"],["Nonprofit and institutional exemptions","Unresolved","C006","Read all exempt categories; distinguish nonprofit fee exceptions"],["Lead generation and referrals","Partial","C001–C003","Analyze §332B.02(14), §332B.11, referral compensation and licensing boundaries"],["Settlement percentage-of-debt cap","Answered in core","C007–C008","Final current-law reconciliation"],["Settlement percentage-of-savings cap","Partial","C007, C009","Partial-plan savings interpretation"],["Settlement fee timing","Partial","C010","State performance test and federal TSR reconciliation"],["DMP origination and maintenance","Answered in core","C013–C015","Initial-payment allocation and exceptional branches"],["DMP advance-payment rules","Partial","C015","Apply §332A.13(5) exceptions and payment cadence"],["Refunds and cancellation","Partial","C011–C012","Full exceptions, actual funds ledger and timing"],["State registration procedure","Partial","C016","Retrieve live NMLS checklists and current regulator registry"],["Named provider authorization","Unresolved","C018","Actual company identity and current registration lookup"],["2026 statutory changes","Unresolved","C017","Read Chapter 124, Article 1, §§59, 60, 63 and effective-date provisions"],["Operative regulations and orders","Unresolved","C020","Search official Minnesota Rules and adoption/order history"],["Federal TSR and CROA overlap","Unresolved","C019","Read operative federal provisions and applicable exceptions"],["CPI or other fee adjustments","Unresolved","C020","Verify statutory authority and current official notices; do not calculate assumed adjustments"],["Controlling case law","Unresolved","C020","Focused judicial and administrative decision research"]]}],"claims":[{"claim_id":"S_MN-P1-C001","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"S_MN-P1-C001","Precise assertion":"Covered debt settlement activity is defined by reduced-debt negotiation, qualifying savings-account advice, or specified tax services.","Source / pinpoint":"S004, §332B.02(10)","Disposition":"Supported; boundary exceptions remain"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C002","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C002","Precise assertion":"Minnesota domicile and remote provision are expressly contemplated.","Source / pinpoint":"S004, §332B.02(13); S005","Disposition":"Supported"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C003","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C003","Precise assertion":"Covered settlement providers must register before operating, offering or advertising, unless authorized otherwise.","Source / pinpoint":"S003, §332B.03","Disposition":"Supported"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C004","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C004","Precise assertion":"Covered full-repayment distribution services fall under Chapter 332A.","Source / pinpoint":"S002, §332A.02(9)","Disposition":"Supported; mixed models require classification"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C005","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C005","Precise assertion":"Covered DMP providers must register; prior debt-prorater transition provisions exist.","Source / pinpoint":"S002, §332A.03","Disposition":"Supported, historical exceptions qualified"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C006","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C006","Precise assertion":"An attorney exemption is conditional, including principal-practice and provider-business-relationship tests.","Source / pinpoint":"S004, §332B.02(13a)","Disposition":"Supported for 332B; complete cross-exemptions held"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C007","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C007","Precise assertion":"Settlement fee methods are debt percentage or savings percentage.","Source / pinpoint":"S001, §332B.09(1)","Disposition":"Supported"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C008","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C008","Precise assertion":"Percentage-of-debt ceiling is 15% of aggregate debt.","Source / pinpoint":"S001, §332B.09(2)(1); .02(4)","Disposition":"Supported"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C009","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C009","Precise assertion":"Percentage-of-savings ceiling is 30% of qualifying negotiated savings.","Source / pinpoint":"S001, §332B.09(2)(2)","Disposition":"Supported; partial-plan treatment held"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C010","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C010","Precise assertion":"Settlement fee collection requires specified completed performance and proportional allocation for multiple debts.","Source / pinpoint":"S001, §332B.09(3)","Disposition":"Supported; timing interpretation needs additional review"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C011","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C011","Precise assertion":"Settlement fees beyond §332B.09 are prohibited and excess fees must be returned.","Source / pinpoint":"S001, §332B.09(4)","Disposition":"Supported"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C012","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C012","Precise assertion":"Cancellation includes ten-day written notice, fee-refund rules and exceptions.","Source / pinpoint":"S001, §332B.07(1)","Disposition":"Supported; exception interaction held"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C013","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C013","Precise assertion":"DMP origination fee is capped at $50.","Source / pinpoint":"S002, §332A.13(1)","Disposition":"Supported"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C014","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C014","Precise assertion":"DMP maintenance fee is capped at lesser of 15% of monthly payment or $75, subject to reasonableness.","Source / pinpoint":"S002, §332A.13(2)","Disposition":"Supported"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C015","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C015","Precise assertion":"DMP additional charges and periodic-payment retention are restricted.","Source / pinpoint":"S002, §332A.13(3)–(4)","Disposition":"Supported"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C016","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C016","Precise assertion":"Commerce uses NMLS and describes annual registration, bond and renewal requirements.","Source / pinpoint":"S005–S007","Disposition":"Operationally supported; live checklist not verified"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C017","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C017","Precise assertion":"The official 2025 chapters carry explicit 2026 amendment notices.","Source / pinpoint":"S001–S002, chapter headings","Disposition":"Verified notice; operative effective status held"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C018","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C018","Precise assertion":"Minnesota registration of any particular company has been established.","Source / pinpoint":"None","Disposition":"Not established"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C019","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C019","Precise assertion":"A particular fee schedule satisfies both Minnesota and federal timing rules.","Source / pinpoint":"Federal operative authority not read","Disposition":"Held"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_MN-C020","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C020","Precise assertion":"Current operative rules, court interpretations and adjustment notices have been exhaustively checked.","Source / pinpoint":"None","Disposition":"Not established"},"coordinator_verification_status":"reviewed_with_new_selected_evidence_and_effectiveness_applicability_holds;originalcellunchanged","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"}],"sources":[{"source_id":"S_MN-P1-S001","urls":["https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B/full","https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MN-P1-S001","Authority, literal URL, pinpoint":"Minnesota Revisor, Chapter 332B, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B/full — §§332B.02–.14, especially .07 and .09","Status and limitations":"Official 2025 compilation; opened and relevant fee/cancellation passages inspected. 2026 amendment warning."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_actual_section_alias_read_session_clauses_reuse_and_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_MN-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MN-P1-S002","urls":["https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332A/full","https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332A/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MN-P1-S002","Authority, literal URL, pinpoint":"Minnesota Revisor, Chapter 332A, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332A/full — §§332A.02–.19, especially .03, .04 and .13","Status and limitations":"Official 2025 compilation; opened and relevant registration/fee passages inspected. 2026 amendment warning."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_actual_section_alias_read_session_clauses_reuse_and_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_MN-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MN-P1-S003","urls":["https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.03","https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.03?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MN-P1-S003","Authority, literal URL, pinpoint":"Minnesota Revisor, §332B.03, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.03","Status and limitations":"Official registration prohibition; search-rendered operative text, not separately opened."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_actual_section_alias_read_session_clauses_reuse_and_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_MN-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MN-P1-S004","urls":["https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.02","https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.02?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MN-P1-S004","Authority, literal URL, pinpoint":"Minnesota Revisor, §332B.02, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.02 — subdivisions 10, 13, 13a","Status and limitations":"Official definitions/exempt-attorney text; search-rendered, with related chapter text available in S001."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_actual_section_alias_read_session_clauses_reuse_and_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_MN-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MN-P1-S005","urls":["https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/financial-institutions/debt-services/","https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/financial-institutions/debt-services/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MN-P1-S005","Authority, literal URL, pinpoint":"Minnesota Commerce, https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/financial-institutions/debt-services/ — Debt Management and Debt Settlement sections","Status and limitations":"Official agency procedure; opened and read. Does not replace enacted law."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_actual_section_alias_read_session_clauses_reuse_and_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_MN-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MN-P1-S006","urls":["https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231349","https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231349&utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MN-P1-S006","Authority, literal URL, pinpoint":"Minnesota eLicense, https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-231349 — Debt Settlement Provider listing","Status and limitations":"Official operational listing; search-rendered. Modified August 25, 2026; modification is not legal effective date."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_actual_section_alias_read_session_clauses_reuse_and_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_MN-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MN-P1-S007","urls":["https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-230795","https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-230795&utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MN-P1-S007","Authority, literal URL, pinpoint":"Minnesota eLicense, https://mn.gov/elicense/a-z/?id=1083-230795 — Debt Management listing","Status and limitations":"Official operational listing; search-rendered."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_actual_section_alias_read_session_clauses_reuse_and_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_MN-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MN-P1-S008","urls":["https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332a.10","https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332a.10?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MN-P1-S008","Authority, literal URL, pinpoint":"Minnesota Revisor, §332A.10, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332a.10 — subdivisions 1, 3 and modification provision","Status and limitations":"Official agreement provisions; search-rendered."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_actual_section_alias_read_session_clauses_reuse_and_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_MN-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MN-P1-S009","urls":["https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.09","https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.09?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MN-P1-S009","Authority, literal URL, pinpoint":"Minnesota Revisor, §332B.09, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/332B.09 — subdivisions 1–4","Status and limitations":"Official fee text, also read in S001; same authority, separate section URL."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_actual_section_alias_read_session_clauses_reuse_and_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_MN-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MN-P1-S010","urls":[],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MN-P1-S010","Authority, literal URL, pinpoint":"Minnesota Revisor, 2026 Chapter 124, Article 1, §§59, 60, 63 — session-law document URL not retrieved","Status and limitations":"Discovery only: 2026 amendment references in official chapter indexes. Actual session-law clauses and effective dates not verified."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_actual_section_alias_read_session_clauses_reuse_and_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_MN-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_MN-P1-S011","urls":["https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=MN","https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=MN&utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_MN-P1-S011","Authority, literal URL, pinpoint":"NMLS Minnesota licensing page, https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=MN","Status and limitations":"Agency-linked application destination; underlying live checklist, lookup and actual registration not read."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_actual_section_alias_read_session_clauses_reuse_and_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_MN-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"}],"coverage":[{"topic":"Settlement definition","researcher_record":{"Component":"Settlement definition","Status":"Answered in core","Claims":"C001–C002","Missing evidence / next action":"Complete exempt-entity cross-reference and edge cases"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"DMP definition","researcher_record":{"Component":"DMP definition","Status":"Partial","Claims":"C004","Missing evidence / next action":"Reconcile statutory language against agency's broader description"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Consumer/business distinction","researcher_record":{"Component":"Consumer/business distinction","Status":"Partial","Claims":"C001, C004","Missing evidence / next action":"Verify business-only services and mixed-purpose treatment"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Remote-provider nexus","researcher_record":{"Component":"Remote-provider nexus","Status":"Answered in core","Claims":"C002–C005","Missing evidence / next action":"Verify fact-specific territorial exceptions"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Noncustodial settlement","researcher_record":{"Component":"Noncustodial settlement","Status":"Partial","Claims":"C001–C003","Missing evidence / next action":"Analyze services without holding funds"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Custodial DMP","researcher_record":{"Component":"Custodial DMP","Status":"Partial","Claims":"C004–C005","Missing evidence / next action":"Complete statutory funds requirements in later pass"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Tax-debt settlement","researcher_record":{"Component":"Tax-debt settlement","Status":"Partial","Claims":"C001","Missing evidence / next action":"Federal/state tax-service overlap and exemptions"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Attorney exemptions","researcher_record":{"Component":"Attorney exemptions","Status":"Partial","Claims":"C006","Missing evidence / next action":"Full §332A.02(8) cross-reference and practical conditions"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Nonprofit and institutional exemptions","researcher_record":{"Component":"Nonprofit and institutional exemptions","Status":"Unresolved","Claims":"C006","Missing evidence / next action":"Read all exempt categories; distinguish nonprofit fee exceptions"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Lead generation and referrals","researcher_record":{"Component":"Lead generation and referrals","Status":"Partial","Claims":"C001–C003","Missing evidence / next action":"Analyze §332B.02(14), §332B.11, referral compensation and licensing boundaries"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Settlement percentage-of-debt cap","researcher_record":{"Component":"Settlement percentage-of-debt cap","Status":"Answered in core","Claims":"C007–C008","Missing evidence / next action":"Final current-law reconciliation"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Settlement percentage-of-savings cap","researcher_record":{"Component":"Settlement percentage-of-savings cap","Status":"Partial","Claims":"C007, C009","Missing evidence / next action":"Partial-plan savings interpretation"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Settlement fee timing","researcher_record":{"Component":"Settlement fee timing","Status":"Partial","Claims":"C010","Missing evidence / next action":"State performance test and federal TSR reconciliation"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"DMP origination and maintenance","researcher_record":{"Component":"DMP origination and maintenance","Status":"Answered in core","Claims":"C013–C015","Missing evidence / next action":"Initial-payment allocation and exceptional branches"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"DMP advance-payment rules","researcher_record":{"Component":"DMP advance-payment rules","Status":"Partial","Claims":"C015","Missing evidence / next action":"Apply §332A.13(5) exceptions and payment cadence"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Refunds and cancellation","researcher_record":{"Component":"Refunds and cancellation","Status":"Partial","Claims":"C011–C012","Missing evidence / next action":"Full exceptions, actual funds ledger and timing"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"State registration procedure","researcher_record":{"Component":"State registration procedure","Status":"Partial","Claims":"C016","Missing evidence / next action":"Retrieve live NMLS checklists and current regulator registry"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Named provider authorization","researcher_record":{"Component":"Named provider authorization","Status":"Unresolved","Claims":"C018","Missing evidence / next action":"Actual company identity and current registration lookup"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"2026 statutory changes","researcher_record":{"Component":"2026 statutory changes","Status":"Unresolved","Claims":"C017","Missing evidence / next action":"Read Chapter 124, Article 1, §§59, 60, 63 and effective-date provisions"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Operative regulations and orders","researcher_record":{"Component":"Operative regulations and orders","Status":"Unresolved","Claims":"C020","Missing evidence / next action":"Search official Minnesota Rules and adoption/order history"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Federal TSR and CROA overlap","researcher_record":{"Component":"Federal TSR and CROA overlap","Status":"Unresolved","Claims":"C019","Missing evidence / next action":"Read operative federal provisions and applicable exceptions"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"CPI or other fee adjustments","researcher_record":{"Component":"CPI or other fee adjustments","Status":"Unresolved","Claims":"C020","Missing evidence / next action":"Verify statutory authority and current official notices; do not calculate assumed adjustments"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Controlling case law","researcher_record":{"Component":"Controlling case law","Status":"Unresolved","Claims":"C020","Missing evidence / next action":"Focused judicial and administrative decision research"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"}],"annotations":{},"corrections":[],"resolved_corrections":[],"review_history":[]}