Pennsylvania committee advances bill banning extra fees for paper account statements

Representative Venkat introduced House Bill 81 to the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee, saying the measure would prohibit additional fees for consumers who request paper account statements.

"I don't think anyone should pay a fee simply because they want a paper statement," Representative Venkat said, adding that the change would help senior citizens, people with limited internet access and consumers who organize their finances around paper records.

Committee staff summarized the bill: it prohibits additional fees for consumers who request paper account statements and places no restrictions on companies that provide incentives for customers to choose electronic statements. Representative Mahaffey urged support, calling the proposal "a great idea" and noting the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission already forbids paper fees on utility invoices in its regulations.

The committee moved and seconded the bill, then conducted a roll-call vote. The vote recorded 23 yes votes and 2 no votes (Representatives Kauffman and Kutz). The committee chair announced, "The bill passes."

The committee noted the measure allows businesses to offer incentives for customers to switch to electronic statements but bars surcharges for customers who continue to receive paper. No statutory citation beyond a generic reference to "unfair trade practices law" was provided during the discussion.

The committee also set a public-information hearing (separately announced) and adjourned. No implementation dates, enforcement language, or fiscal notes were included in the committee summary presented at the meeting.