An Act ensuring banking accessibility

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ted Philips

Requires banks with physical locations to provide guaranteed in-person access to services and prohibit online-only access denial, with clear in-person availability notices.

Overview

HD 2594, titled An Act ensuring banking accessibility, is a proposed bill introduced in early 2025 by Representative Edward R. Philips (8th Norfolk). The measure aims to ensure that banking services are accessible to all residents, including individuals who rely on in-person assistance or do not have reliable internet access. The bill would modify the general laws governing banking to explicitly protect and require in-person access to banking services.

Key provisions

Definitions added to Chapter 167 of the General Laws:

“Banking services” are defined to include retail or commercial deposit business, lending, asset management, and all other services typically offered by banks or their affiliates to customers.
“Physical banks” are defined as banks that maintain at least one physical location regularly open to the public, with staff available to assist customers. Online banking is allowed, but the entity remains a physical bank (not an internet-only bank).

New anti-unfair-practices standard (Section 2A ½):

In addition to existing unfair acts or practices, banks must not offer a banking service only online and deny in-person access.
Physical banks offering online services must clearly communicate that those services are also available in-person, using visible signs or clear verbal communication when a customer requests a service.
The bill clarifies that it does not override existing laws that authorize banks to deny service to individuals under other circumstances.

Who/what would be affected

Affected entities:

All Massachusetts banks with physical locations (i.e., those offering in-person services in addition to online services).
Banks that provide online-only services as part of a broader offering.

Affected individuals:

Customers who rely on in-person banking or who have limited internet access, and who may benefit from guaranteed in-person access to services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: The bill was filed as House Docket No. 2594 and presented in the 2025-2026 General Court session. It has historical precedence, with a similar matter previously filed in the 2023-2024 session (House Docket No. 4511).

Effective date: The text provided does not specify an effective date or timeline for implementation if enacted. Typically, enactment would follow the standard passage process (final approval and signature), with any effective date to be determined in the final version.

Potential implications

Access and equity: The bill strengthens in-person access to banking, supporting individuals without reliable internet or with disabilities.

Compliance and signage: Banks may need to implement signage and training to ensure clear communication of in-person availability for online services.

Regulatory posture: The measure adds to consumer protection by categorizing some online-only practices as unfair acts or practices if they restrict in-person access.

This summary reflects the bill text provided and aims to present its substantive changes and potential impacts in a clear, accessible format.

Bill