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RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO PASS HB 375 OR SIMILAR LEGISLATION PROHIBITING BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FROM CHARGING CONSUMERS FEES ON DEBIT CARDS

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WHEREAS, banks introduced debit cards a decade ago based on the idea of a cashless society with free and ready access to a person�s bank account; and
WHEREAS, as part of a recent national financial reform law, the amounts banks and other financial institutions could charge merchants on debit card purchases was capped at 24 cents, down from an average of 44 cents previously; and
WHEREAS, banks and other financial institutions have responded by increasing fees to consumers for debit cards, including monthly fees and per transaction fees; and
WHEREAS, Representative Jeff Clemens (D � Lake Worth) has filed HB 375 for consideration during the Florida Legislature�s 2012 session related to debit card fees; and
WHEREAS, HB 375 would prohibit banks and other financial institutions licensed at the federal or state level from charging consumer service fees, inactivity fees, dormant account fees or other fees with respect to debit cards; and
WHEREAS, there is some question whether state law can regulate banks that are federally licensed; and
WHEREAS, this Board supports the consumer relief from bank fees offered by Representative Clemens� bill,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Urges the Florida Legislature to pass HB 375 or similar legislation prohibiting banks and other financial institutions from charging fees on debit cards.
Section 2. Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit certified copies of the resolution to the Governor, the Senate President, the House Speaker, the Chair and Members of the Miami-Dade State Legislative Delegation, and Representative Jeff Clemens.
Section 3. Directs the County�s state lobbyists to advocate for the issue identified in Section 1 above, and authorizes and directs the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to amend the 2012 state legislative package to include this item.