Bill > SB2371

This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework to address payment card skimmers on electronic terminals in Texas, creating new regulations and penalties to combat financial fraud. The legislation defines key terms like "electronic terminal" (including ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, and virtual currency terminals) and "skimmer" (a device capable of unlawfully intercepting electronic communications to perpetrate fraud), and mandates specific actions when skimmers are discovered. Service technicians and merchants must notify the financial crimes intelligence center and law enforcement if a skimmer is found, and are required to disable the affected terminal and protect it from further tampering. The bill creates a reporting and investigation process through the center, allowing various entities like financial institutions, law enforcement, and payment card networks to submit skimmer reports. The legislation also establishes enforcement mechanisms, including civil penalties of up to $5,000 per day for violations and criminal offenses ranging from Class C misdemeanors to third-degree felonies for actions like refusing terminal inspections or improperly disposing of skimmers. The bill provides confidentiality provisions for skimmer-related information while allowing controlled disclosure to specific authorized entities, thereby creating a comprehensive approach to preventing and addressing electronic payment card fraud.

Justice, Labor and Employment

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2371