The proposed bill, H.B. No. 4061, introduces Chapter 604B to the Business & Commerce Code, focusing on unlawful practices related to credit card transactions and establishing civil penalties for violations. Key provisions include definitions for terms such as "credit card," "merchant," and "swipe fee," as well as prohibitions against credit card issuers and payment card networks from engaging in practices like fixing swipe fees, charging fees for disputed transactions without proper findings, and penalizing merchants for offering discounts for alternative payment methods. Additionally, credit card issuers are required to disclose swipe fees on monthly statements to cardholders.

The bill also outlines enforcement mechanisms, allowing the attorney general to investigate violations and file civil suits for antitrust violations, with specified penalties based on the violator's assets or market capitalization. Notably, the bill clarifies that it does not create a private cause of action and establishes that certain provisions will not take effect until March 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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