Massachusetts S688: An Act prohibiting card interchange fees on tax or gratuity

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

Chapter 140D of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following new section:- Section 37. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:- "Acquirer bank", a member of a payment card network that contracts with a merchant for the settlement of electronic payment transactions. An acquirer bank may contract directly with merchants or indirectly through a processor to process electronic payment transactions. "Authorization", the process through which a merchant requests approval for an electronic payment transaction from the issuer. "Clearance", the process of transmitting final transaction data from a merchant to an issuer for posting to the cardholder's account and the calculation of fees and charges, including interchange fees, that apply to the issuer and the merchant. "Credit card", a card, plate, coupon book, or other credit device existing for the purpose of obtaining money, property, labor, or services on credit. "Debit card", a card or other payment code or device issued or approved for use through a payment card network to debit an asset account, regardless of the purpose for which the account is established, whether authorization is based on a signature, a personal identification number, or other means. "Debit card" includes a general use prepaid card, as defined in 15 U.S.C. 16931-1. "Debit card" …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Cynthia Creem (D) · primary sponsor
• Joan Lovely (D, Second Essex)
• Brendan Crighton (D)
• Nick Collins (D, First Suffolk)

Latest actions

1. July 31, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see S3246
2. July 31, 2026: Reporting date extended to Friday July 31, 2026
3. April 21, 2026: Reporting date extended to Monday May 4, 2026
4. October 30, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 10/30/2025 from 10:30 AM-02:00 PM in A-2 <br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
5. October 30, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 10/30/2025 from 10:30 AM-04:00 PM in A-2 <br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
6. October 21, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 10/30/2025 from 10:30 AM-01:00 PM in A-2
7. February 27, 2025: House concurred
8. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Financial Services

Common questions

What is S688?

S688 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act prohibiting card interchange fees on tax or gratuity.

What is the status of S688?

Failed as of July 31, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see S3246 (July 31, 2026).

Who sponsored S688?

Cynthia Creem (D), with 3 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for S688?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S688