New York Assembly Bill A00111

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Prohibits certain surcharges on certain credit or debit card transactions in the city of New York; provides that no agency or department of the city of New York, or any tribunal located therein, shall be authorized to impose a surcharge on a holder who elects to use a credit or debit card in lieu of payment by cash, check, or similar means to pay any fine, civil penalty, or fee owed.

Summary

Bill A00111 amends the administrative code of New York City to prohibit any agency or department from imposing surcharges on individuals who choose to pay fines, civil penalties, or fees using credit or debit cards. The bill establishes that no additional fees can be charged to cardholders beyond the actual cost incurred by the agency for processing the credit card transaction. This legislation aims to ensure that payment methods do not penalize users financially, promoting fairness in payment practices.

Impact

The bill will significantly alter the financial landscape for transactions involving credit and debit card payments within New York City. By eliminating surcharges, it aligns the payment process with consumer protection principles, potentially increasing the use of electronic payments for fines and fees. This change may also require adjustments in the budgeting and financial operations of city agencies that currently rely on these surcharges to cover transaction costs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A00111 appears to be generally positive, with support stemming from consumer advocacy groups who argue that surcharges disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. However, there are concerns from some city agencies regarding the potential financial implications of losing surcharge revenue, which could impact their operational budgets.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the financial impact on city agencies that currently impose surcharges to cover transaction costs. Some agency representatives argue that without the ability to charge these fees, they may face budgetary constraints. Conversely, consumer advocates emphasize the need for equitable payment practices that do not penalize individuals for using credit or debit cards.