Connecticut House Bill HB05106

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/11
• Refer: 1/7/11

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Connecticut Banks From Requiring A Thumbprint For Check Cashing.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would significantly alter the procedures that banks utilize in Connecticut when cashing checks. It would ensure that customers can transact without needing to provide a thumbprint, thus aiming to streamline and facilitate the check-cashing process. Additionally, the bill contributes to a more customer-friendly banking environment by promoting financial inclusion, especially for those who may have disabilities or concerns regarding their biometric data.

Summary

House Bill 05106 aims to amend existing banking practices in Connecticut by prohibiting banks from requiring customers to provide their thumbprints for check cashing. The bill specifically targets the procedure that many banks have implemented under the pretext of fraud prevention. By eliminating this requirement, the bill seeks to enhance the accessibility of banking services for individuals who may find the thumbprint requirement cumbersome or invasive.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding the implementation of HB 05106. Proponents of the bill argue that the thumbprint requirement is an unnecessary hurdle for customers and that it can foster distrust between banks and their clients. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns regarding potential increases in check fraud or financial scams due to forged identities, questioning the efficacy of alternative measures to ensure secure transactions without thumbprint verification.