Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington) announced the members of the House Study Committee on Credit Card Fees on State Sales and Excise Tax and Their Impact on Georgia Merchants and Consumers. This committee was created by legislation adopted during the 2024 session of the Georgia General Assembly.
The house Study Committee includes three Statesboro business leaders: Wayne Akins, Dr. Joe Ruhland, and Laura Lanier as non-legislative members.
House Study Committee on Credit Card Fees on State Sales and Excise Tax and Their Impact on Georgia Merchants and Consumers
- Rep. Will Wade, Chair (R-Dawsonville)
- Rep. Noel Williams (R-Cordele)
- Rep. Todd Jones (R-South Forsyth)
- Rep. Terry Cummings (D-Mableton)
Non-Legislative Members:
- Mr. Wayne Akins, Banking Industry Expert
- Dr. Joe Ruhland, Consumer Member
- Ms. Laura Lanier, Small Business Owner
- Mr. Kevin Carroll, Retail Payments Expert from a Motor Fuel Retailer
- Ms. Gina McCollum, Payment-Processing Expert from a Processing Company
- Mr. Chandra (CB) Yadav, Restaurant Owner
Created by House Resolution 1135, the House Study Committee on Credit Card Fees on State Sales and Excise Tax will evaluate the effects of electronic transaction costs on Georgia merchants and consumers. The committee will specifically examine whether merchant discount fees should apply to the state tax portion of transactions and assess the impact of these fees on businesses that collect taxes for Georgia. The committee may also propose recommendations for legislation prior to the 2025 legislative session.
