CT SB00155

Allows employers to require employees to receive wages via payroll card or direct deposit, effective October 1, 2012, with written or electronic consent from employees hired before that date.

Employees hired on or after October 1, 2012 must be offered a choice between direct deposit to a personal account or a payroll card account, with failure to respond considered consent to payroll card use.

Prohibits employers and card issuers from charging employees fees for issuing payroll cards, transferring wages, annual replacement cards, inactivity, or accessing account balances through automated systems or electronically.

Requires employers to provide employees at least one free withdrawal or transfer per pay period for full wages, free balance inquiries, 21 days' notice of any fee increases or unfavorable changes, and 60 days of free replacement card access after employment termination.

Requires payroll card accounts to be FDIC or NCUA insured, prohibits credit links or overdraft fees, allows employees to switch to direct deposit without penalty, and mandates pay stubs showing hours, gross earnings, deductions, and net pay.