Bill by Rep. Habib requires full disclosure of cash, credit prices
March 7, 2013 · 4:31 PM
Gas stations and other retailers would be barred from imposing hidden surcharges for the use of a credit card instead of cash or other methods of payment, under a bill passed by the state House today.
“Consumers shouldn’t be deceived by misleading advertising,” said Rep. Cyrus Habib, the bill’s sponsor. “Lots of folks have seen a great price for gas, pulled up to the pump and then realized too late that paying with a credit card costs more than advertised. That’s just not right.”
Retailers may still impose a surcharge for credit-card purchases under Habib’s House Bill 1870; they just have to disclose the surcharge “clearly and conspicuously.”
Credit-card surcharges have come under increasing scrutiny and regulation in states across the country, including California, Texas and New York.
The bipartisan vote of 68-29 for the bill sends the measure to the state Senate for passage in that chamber.
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