Connecticut Senate Bill SB00212

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Requiring Banks To Notify Customers Before The Expiration Of Automatic Payments And After Account Overdrafts.

Impact

If enacted, SB00212 would amend Title 36a of the general statutes, which governs banking practices in the state. The requirement for banks to provide timely notifications aims to prevent undesirable financial consequences for customers, such as missed payments or additional fees due to overdrafts. By enforcing these notifications, the bill seeks to promote financial responsibility among consumers, allowing them to manage their finances more effectively and avoid adverse effects stemming from unforeseen lapses in payment authorizations.

Summary

SB00212 is an act that mandates banks to inform customers of two key events: first, before any automatic payments or transfers from the customer's account expire, and second, immediately after the customer's account goes into overdraft. The bill is designed to enhance consumer protection by ensuring that customers are made aware of critical account statuses that could impact their financial planning.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its consumer protection intentions, it may also raise questions about the operational burden on banks. Critics could argue that additional notification requirements may complicate processes for banks and potentially increase operational costs, which could be passed down to consumers in the form of higher fees. Therefore, discussions around SB00212 may revolve around balancing consumer protection with maintaining efficient banking operations.