Congress failed to protect stimulus checks from private debt collectors. Some states are stepping up

At least six states are moving to shield the most recent round of stimulus payments from private debt collectors after Congress failed to exempt the money from garnishment -- though it did for an earlier round of payments that were approved in December.

Governors in Maryland, New Jersey and Washington as well as state attorneys general in Massachusetts, Nebraska and New York have taken action in the past few weeks to make sure their most vulnerable residents will receive their money, which can amount to up to $1,400 per person.