AK SB79

Payment card networks are prohibited from charging interchange fees on sales tax and gratuity portions of electronic transactions when merchants submit proper documentation, with merchants able to request refunds within 180 days and violators facing $1,000 civil penalties per transaction

Exemption applies to issuers with less than $20 billion in consolidated worldwide banking and nonbanking assets

Employers may pay wages via payroll card accounts, but must notify employees of payment options, fees, and provide at least one cost-free withdrawal per week or pay period up to net wages

Payroll card accounts cannot charge fees for employee enrollment, initial card issuance, one annual replacement card, wage transfers, or point-of-sale purchases, and must be FDIC or NCUA insured

Violations of the electronic payment transaction data use restrictions are added to the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act