Peach Tree Times

ATLANTA – State Representative Todd Jones (R-South Forsyth), Chairman of the House Committee on Technology and Infrastructure Innovation, was recently appointed by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve as a member of the House Study Committee on Credit Card Fees on State Sales and Excise Tax and Their Impact on Georgia Merchants and Consumers.

“As the use of credit and debit cards by consumers has significantly increased, Georgia’s leadership in banking and retail has fostered a robust transaction processing ecosystem,” said Chairman Jones. “This ecosystem, supported by our state’s strategic investments in financial technology and infrastructure, has ensured that Georgia remains the number one state to do business. However, when merchants process credit or debit card transactions, they are charged a merchant discount fee on the total amount of the transaction. This fee includes not only the cost of goods or services but also the sales and excise tax that merchants are required to collect under Georgia law. This practice impacts the bottom line of Georgia’s small businesses, as they must account for these additional charges in their financial planning. As we continue to support our thriving small business community, it’s important to consider the implications of these fees on merchants, ensuring that our policies strike a balance between facilitating convenient payment options for consumers and maintaining fair operating conditions for businesses.”

Created pursuant to House Resolution 1135 during the 2024 legislative session, the House Study Committee on Credit Card Fees on State Sales and Excise Tax and Their Impact on Georgia Merchants and Consumers will conduct an in-depth evaluation of electronic transaction costs' effects on Georgia merchants and consumers. Specifically, the committee will study whether merchant discount fees should apply to the state tax portion of transactions and assess these fees' impact on businesses that collect taxes for Georgia. The committee will have the opportunity to submit their findings into proposed legislation during the upcoming 2025 legislative session.

Speaker Burns also appointed State Representatives Will Wade (R-Dawsonville), Noel Williams (R-Cordele), Terry Cummings (D-Mableton); Mr. Kevin Carroll; Mr. Wayne Akins; Dr. Joe Ruhland; Ms. Gina McCollum; Mr. Chandra (CB) Yadav; and Ms. Laura Lanier as non-legislative members.