Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes employee payment via Prepaid debit cards in Alaska.

Highlights:

• Requires that employers pay their employees via methods without discount (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that an employer may choose to authorize payment to an employee through the usage of a payroll card account if an employee has not authorized usage of their bank information (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that employees shall be notified of the wage payment options, the conditions of the account, how to access the account without fees, and the possibility of fees imposed by the card company (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that the card must allow one free withdrawal per week and not cost a fee to access balance info (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that an employer may not charge fees for application for a card, issuance of a new card, transfer of wages, or point of sale (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that an employer may not offer a payroll card account unless employee wages or other forms of compensation credited to the account are insured on a pass-through basis to the employee by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, or another entity that insures bank deposits (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that this act does not limit the right of employees to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing to establish mechanisms for payment of wages in excess of the minimum requirements of this section (Sec. 2). 

• Defines payroll card and payroll card account (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text