S2601A

The New York State Senate passed Senate Print 2601A, sponsored by Sen. Hoylman-Sigal, an act to amend the Banking Law, by a vote of 47-15 on Calendar Number 124. The bill takes effect immediately. The legislation prevents banks, health clubs, the DMV, and other entities from imposing fees on electronic benefit transfer cards issued by the state or other government agencies. Sen. Hoylman-Sigal explained the bill as part of a broader package to stop "nickel-and-diming" New Yorkers, citing pandemic-era scenes when hundreds of residents lined up at a single Key Bank ATM in Midtown Manhattan to avoid $1.50 withdrawal fees on unemployment insurance debit cards. Hoylman-Sigal noted the state Department of Labor has already transitioned to a new debit card provider with more fee-free ATM locations, but argued legislation is necessary to prevent reliance on contractors and banks to voluntarily protect consumers. Fifteen senators voted against the measure: Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Stec, Tedisco, Weber, and Weik.