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Bill

SB 79

AN ACT PROHIBITING STATE AGENCIES FROM CHARGING SERVICE FEES FOR PAYMENTS MADE BY CERTAIN MEANS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Craig Fishbein and 2 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill prohibits state agencies from charging payment processing fees to residents, shifting costs from individual users to state government budgets.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Finance, Revenue and Bonding
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Bill Summary · SB 79

Legislative bill overview

SB 79 would prohibit Connecticut state agencies from charging service fees when citizens pay for state services using certain payment methods (the bill text doesn't specify which methods, but typically refers to credit cards, debit cards, or electronic payment systems). The bill aims to eliminate what sponsors view as hidden costs imposed on residents conducting legitimate state business.

Why is this important

Many states charge convenience or processing fees when citizens pay state bills electronically, effectively creating a tax on those who use modern payment methods. These fees can total millions annually and disproportionately burden lower-income residents who may lack alternatives to electronic payments. This bill addresses whether government should absorb these costs or pass them to users.

Potential points of contention

  • State budget impact: Eliminating fee revenue requires state agencies to absorb payment processing costs, potentially creating budget shortfalls that must be covered through other means (general revenue, service cuts, or tax increases)
  • Payment method equity: The bill's unclear scope raises questions about which payment methods would be covered—if only certain methods are fee-free, this could shift costs to specific payment types or create administrative complexity
  • Administrative feasibility: Different agencies use different payment processors with varying fee structures; uniform implementation across state government could prove operationally complex or expensive to manage

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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