By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure also gave a favorable report to and has recommended that the House and Senate approve a bill that supporters say would update Massachusetts law and regulate how businesses can encourage non-credit card payments and charge for credit card use, with an emphasis on transparency and consumer protection. The bill would allow businesses to offer discounts to customers who pay by cash, check or similar means — and would prohibit credit card issuers from restricting those discounts, provided the discount is clearly disclosed in advance of the transaction.

“I sponsored [the bill] to promote transparency and fairness for both consumers and small businesses,” said sponsor Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow). “Credit card processing fees continue to rise, and this legislation ensures businesses can recover legitimate costs, while giving consumers clear information before they complete a purchase.”