By Deshotel H.B. No. 565 77R2144 JMG-D A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1-1 AN ACT 1-2 relating to a fee charged by a financial institution for cashing a 1-3 check drawn on that financial institution; providing a penalty. 1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-5 SECTION 1. Chapter 276, Finance Code, is amended by adding 1-6 Section 276.002 to read as follows: 1-7 Sec. 276.002. CHECK CASHING FEE. (a) In this section, 1-8 "financial institution" means a bank, savings and loan association, 1-9 savings bank, or credit union. 1-10 (b) A financial institution may not charge a person a fee 1-11 for cashing a check drawn on that financial institution, regardless 1-12 of whether the person holds an account at that financial 1-13 institution. 1-14 (c) A financial institution that violates this section is 1-15 liable to the state for a civil penalty of $200 for each violation. 1-16 The attorney general may sue to collect the penalty. 1-17 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.