Bill Text: TX HB3615 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Comm Sub


Bill Title: Relating to surcharges imposed for the use of a credit card.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2023-05-23 - Not again placed on intent calendar [HB3615 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB3615-Comm_Sub.html
 
 
  By: Lambert (Senate Sponsor - Schwertner) H.B. No. 3615
         (In the Senate - Received from the House May 4, 2023;
  May 10, 2023, read first time and referred to Committee on Business &
  Commerce; May 21, 2023, reported adversely, with favorable
  Committee Substitute by the following vote:  Yeas 7, Nays 4;
  May 21, 2023, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
 
  COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR H.B. No. 3615 By:  Schwertner
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
 
  relating to surcharges imposed for the use of a credit card.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 604A.0021, Business & Commerce Code, is
  repealed.
         SECTION 2.  The heading to Chapter 604A, Business & Commerce
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 604A.  PROHIBITION OR REGULATION OF CERTAIN SURCHARGES
         SECTION 3.  Section 604A.003, Business & Commerce Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 604A.003.  CIVIL PENALTY.  (a)  A person who knowingly
  violates Section 604A.002 [or 604A.0021] is liable to the state for
  a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $500 for each violation.
  The attorney general or the prosecuting attorney in the county in
  which the violation occurs may bring:
               (1)  a suit to recover the civil penalty imposed under
  this section; and
               (2)  an action in the name of the state to restrain or
  enjoin a person from violating this chapter.
         (b)  Before bringing the action, the attorney general or
  prosecuting attorney shall give the person notice of the person's
  noncompliance and liability for a civil penalty. The notice must:
               (1)  contain guidance to assist the person in complying
  with this chapter;
               (2)  advise the person of the prohibitions under
  Section [Sections] 604A.002 [and 604A.0021]; and
               (3)  state that the person may be liable for a civil
  penalty for a subsequent violation of Section 604A.002 [or
  604A.0021].
         (b-1)  If the person complies with Section [Sections]
  604A.002 [and 604A.0021] not later than the 30th day after the date
  of the notice under Subsection (b), the violation is cured and the
  person is not liable for the civil penalty. A person who has
  previously received notice of noncompliance under Subsection (b) is
  not entitled to notice of or the opportunity to cure a subsequent
  violation of Section 604A.002 [or 604A.0021].
         (c)  The attorney general or the prosecuting attorney, as
  appropriate, is entitled to recover reasonable expenses incurred in
  obtaining injunctive relief, civil penalties, or both, under this
  section, including reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and
  investigatory costs.
         SECTION 4.  Chapter 604A, Business & Commerce Code, is
  amended by adding Section 604A.004 to read as follows:
         Sec. 604A.004.  IMPOSITION OF SURCHARGE FOR USE OF CREDIT
  CARD.  (a)  A merchant may impose a surcharge on a buyer who uses a
  credit card for an extension of credit instead of cash, a check, or
  a similar means of payment to pay for the purchase of goods or
  services.  The buyer is obligated to pay any surcharge imposed on
  the credit extension transaction under this section.
         (b)  A surcharge imposed under this section may not exceed
  the amount necessary to offset the cost to the merchant of accepting
  credit cards.
         (c)  Before a merchant may impose a surcharge under this
  section, the merchant must provide to a buyer who uses a credit card
  for an extension of credit a disclosure stating: "Customers who pay
  with a credit card are responsible for the payment of a surcharge
  that won't exceed what's necessary to cover our costs for accepting
  credit cards.".
         (d)  A merchant who imposes a surcharge under this section
  must disclose the surcharge on the receipt or other statement of
  purchase given to the buyer.
         SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
 
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