Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4007

Caption

Relating to payment card skimmers and the creation of a payment card fraud center; imposing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

Impact

The establishment of the Payment Card Fraud Center is expected to create a centralized authority to combat payment card fraud across the state. This center will enhance collaboration between local law enforcement, merchants, and state agencies in addressing and preventing fraudulent activities. The bill's requirements for merchant compliance could lead to increased vigilance in monitoring payment terminals, ultimately aiming to protect consumers from fraud. However, these regulations also place significant responsibilities on merchants who may face financial penalties for noncompliance.

Summary

House Bill 4007 aims to tackle the issue of payment card fraud by establishing a dedicated Payment Card Fraud Center in Texas and outlining specific duties and penalties for merchants regarding unattended payment terminals. The bill mandates that merchants implement procedures to prevent, identify, and report the installation of skimmers on payment terminals. Failure to do so may result in civil penalties and criminal charges for negligence or misconduct related to skimmer devices. The Attorney General is tasked with creating rules to support this enforcement and ensuring compliance among merchants.

Contention

The bill reflects a growing concern about the increasing incidents of payment card fraud facilitated by skimmers placed on unattended terminals, particularly in locations like gas stations and convenience stores. While supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step to safeguard consumers and enhance fraud prevention mechanisms, concerns may arise regarding the financial burden on smaller businesses that may struggle to comply with the stringent requirements outlined in the bill. Some opponents might question the effectiveness of civil penalties and call for more robust criminal penalties against repeat offenders to act as a stronger deterrent.

Companion Bills

TX SB2032

Similar To Relating to payment card skimmers and the creation of a payment card fraud center; imposing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2086

Relating to creating a criminal offense for interfering with a motor fuel metering device or motor fuel unattended payment terminal and the prosecution of organized criminal activity involving that conduct.

TX SB2305

Relating to creating a criminal offense for interfering with a motor fuel metering device or motor fuel unattended payment terminal and the prosecution of organized criminal activity involving that conduct.

TX HB4635

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB2226

Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.

TX SB1788

Relating to organized crime, racketeering activities, and collection of unlawful debts; providing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB4481

Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.

TX SB2054

Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.

TX HB1719

Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

TX SB2032

Relating to payment card skimmers and the creation of a payment card fraud center; imposing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB2945

Relating to payment card skimmers on motor fuel dispensers and to creating a payment fraud fusion center; imposing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB1648

Relating to payment card skimmers on motor fuel dispensers; imposing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB964

Relating to the prevention, identification, investigation, and enforcement of payment card fraud; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB2106

Relating to the prevention, identification, investigation, and enforcement of payment card fraud; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB4853

Relating to skimmers on electronic terminals; authorizing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB2371

Relating to skimmers on electronic terminals; authorizing a civil penalty; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB201

Relating to the financial crimes intelligence center.