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Bill

Bill

S 4795

Relates to prohibiting the issuance of late fees prior to a finding of liability; repealer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Sanders

Bill S 4795 protects consumers by banning late fees until a liability is confirmed, ensuring fairness in billing and requiring businesses to adjust their practices accordingly.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4795

Summary of Bill S 4795

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 4795
  • Title: Relates to prohibiting the issuance of late fees prior to a finding of liability; repealer
  • Status: Referred to Transportation
  • Introduced: February 12, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 4795 aims to address the practice of imposing late fees on individuals or entities before a formal determination of liability has been made. The intent of the bill is to protect consumers and ensure fairness in the billing process, particularly in situations where disputes over charges may arise.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition of Late Fees: The bill specifically prohibits the issuance of late fees until there has been a finding of liability. This means that no late fees can be charged to individuals or businesses until it has been officially determined that they owe a debt.
  • Repealer Clause: The bill includes a repealer clause that seeks to eliminate any existing laws or regulations that allow for the imposition of late fees prior to a liability finding. This is intended to streamline the legal framework surrounding late fees and enhance consumer protections.

Affected Parties

  • Consumers: Individuals who may be subject to late fees will benefit from this legislation, as it prevents them from being charged fees without a clear determination of their financial obligation.
  • Businesses and Service Providers: Companies that issue bills or invoices will need to adjust their billing practices to comply with the new regulations, ensuring that late fees are only applied after liability is established.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Action: The bill was introduced on February 12, 2025, and has been referred to the Transportation Committee for further consideration. The timeline for further action will depend on the committee's schedule and any subsequent legislative processes.

Related Bills

This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- S 7405
- S 4700
- S 3047
- S 3239
- S 4104

These related bills may provide context or additional insights into the legislative history and ongoing discussions surrounding the regulation of late fees.

Conclusion

Bill S 4795 seeks to enhance consumer protections by prohibiting the imposition of late fees before a liability finding is made. By addressing this issue, the bill aims to create a fairer billing environment for consumers and ensure that businesses adhere to clearer guidelines regarding late fee assessments. The bill is currently under consideration by the Transportation Committee, and its progress will be monitored as it moves through the legislative process.

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

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