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Staff Reports

State Representative Noel Williams (R- Cordele), Chairman of the House Committee on Banks and Banking, was recently selected by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve on the House Study Committee on Credit Card Fees on State Sales and Excise Tax and Their Impact on Georgia Merchants and Consumers.

“I am grateful to Speaker Burns for appointing me to this vital study committee,” said Chairman Williams. “With my background as a board member of the South Georgia Banking Company and Chair of the House Committee on Banks and Banking, I have focused my legislative efforts on bolstering Georgia’s investments in financial technology and infrastructure, especially for our small business sector. I look forward to collaborating with fellow legislators and experts to tackle the challenges posed by merchant discount fees, ensuring Georgia maintains a balance that supports convenient consumer payment options while upholding fair business standards.”

The House established the House Study Committee on Credit Card Fees on State Sales and Excise Tax and Their Impact on Georgia Merchants and Consumers through the adoption of House Resolution 1135 during the 2024 legislative session. This committee is charged with evaluating the effects of electronic transaction costs on Georgia merchants and consumers, focusing specifically on whether merchant discount fees should continue to apply to the state tax portion of transactions. Additionally, the committee will examine how these fees impact businesses responsible for collecting Georgia taxes. Upon completing their study, committee members will propose legislation based on their findings during the upcoming 2025 legislative session, commencing in January.

Speaker Burns also appointed the following study committee members: State Representatives Will Wade (R-Dawsonville), Todd Jones (R-South Forsyth) and Terry Cummings (D-Mableton); Mr. Kevin Carroll, Mr. Wayne Akins, Dr. Joe Ruhland, Ms. Gina McCollum, Mr. Chandra (CB) Yadav and Ms. Laura Lanier will serve as the non-legislative members.

Representative Noel Williams represents the citizens of District 148, which includes Crisp, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Ben Hill and Houston counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as Chairman of the Banks & Banking Committee and Vice Chairman of the Insurance Committee. He also serves on the Game, Fish & Parks, Natural Resources & Environment, Retirement, Small Business Development, State Planning & Community Affairs and Ways & Means committees.