Senator Chipman introduces bill to help government agencies expand online payments and registrations

AUGUSTA — Senator Ben Chipman, D-Portland, on Wednesday introduced a bill to help government entities modernize their operations by recouping credit card fees from payments. LD 800, “An Act To Amend Credit and Debit Card Surcharges Imposed by Governmental Entities,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services.

“In order for state departments and agencies to continue allowing credit card usage, we must change the laws so that they can recoup fees,” said Senator Chipman. “This would also open up more opportunities for services provided by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to be conducted online. With credit card fees continuing to rise, the BMV cannot afford to offer or expand credit card usage, inconveniencing customers and making life harder for working Mainers.”

LD 800 would allow state agencies to recoup fees associated with credit and debit card usage, giving them the opportunity to modernize without forcing them to absorb all the costs associated with e-commerce.

“Today’s BMV is very different than the BMV of 20 years ago. The desire of people to conduct all manner of transactions from their phone or connected device has become the norm and an increasing public demand,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “As the bureau looks forward to modernization efforts, we presently are hindered by not being able to allow widespread payment by credit and debit cards including using chip cards because of the statutory requirement that we absorb associated fees for the public’s convenience. This legislation will not only help the bureau use its money wisely and efficiently, as government should do, but it will also give people the flexibility and convenience they are asking for.”

LD 800 faces further action before the committee.