New York Amends Law to Prohibit Fees for Payment by Mail or Receipt of Paper Billing Statement

On October 20, the Governor of New York signed into law amendments to New York General Business Law Chapter 556, prohibiting businesses from charging additional rates or fees, or a differential in rate or fee associated with payment on an account, when a consumer chooses to pay by U.S. mail or to receive a paper billing statement. The new Section 399-zzz does not prohibit a business from offering a credit or other incentive to consumers to elect a specific payment or billing option. Each violation of the new Section is deemed a deceptive act and practice. The amendment takes effect on April 18, 2011.