Senator Simcha Felder (D- Brooklyn) sponsored legislation (S6113) that would eliminate NYC surcharges associated with online payment of tickets, fees and fines.

“This fee is just unfair,” said Felder. “Online transactions are quick, efficient and cost-saving. While the City saves money, by reducing the time and personnel involved in processing a check or any other type of payment, they continue to punish New Yorkers who are fulfilling their financial obligations.”

The utilization of card-based services is widespread and growing as our economy continues the trend toward paperless transactions. Online payments are neither convenience, nor luxury, but a necessary part of life. New York State law bars retailers from charging any additional fee to customers paying with a credit or debit card, but continues to allow government agencies to levy a 2.49 percent surcharge for every payment made to them online.

“I am thankful to my colleague, Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal (D – Flushing) for sponsoring the bill (A9755) in the Assembly,” said Senator Felder.

“It is shameful that these surcharges continue to be disguised as convenience fees,” said Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal. “As our economy moves towards a more digitized system, we should not be penalizing already over-taxed New Yorkers for choosing to pay their fines in a timely manner that saves the City money. I am glad to work alongside Senator Felder and sponsor this common sense legislation.”

“This is simply extortion. It’s offensive to New Yorkers that NYC holds itself above the laws that govern everyone else,” said Senator Felder. “Over-fined, over-ticketed and over-taxed New Yorkers deserve a break when they are paying what they already owe to the City and its agencies.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)