Rep. Will Wade Named Chairman of House Study Committee on Credit Card Fees on State Sales and Excise Tax and Their Impact on Georgia Merchants and Consumers

ATLANTA - State Representative Will Wade (R-Dawsonville) was recently named by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve as the chair of the House Study Committee on Credit Card Fees on State Sales and Excise Tax and Their Impact on Georgia Merchants and Consumers.

"As credit and debit card use has increased over time, businesses and consumers have been subject to various merchant fees," said Rep. Wade. "We have heard from Georgians about the need to study the impact of these electronic transaction costs in order to protect both the consumer and business-owner. I am thankful to Speaker Burns for naming me as chairman of this committee so that we may continue the work to keep Georgia as the number one state to do business."

The House Study Committee on Credit Card Fees on State Sales and Excise Tax and Their Impact on Georgia Merchants and Consumers was established following the adoption of House Resolution 1135 during the 2024 legislative session. The study committee 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.

Speaker Burns also appointed the following study committee members: State Representatives Noel Williams (R-Cordele), 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 Will Wade represents the citizens of District 9, which includes portions of Dawson, Lumpkin and White counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as one of the Governor's Floor Leaders and as Vice Chairman of the Banks & Banking Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and the Education, Juvenile Justice and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.

###