Assembly Panel Backs Debit Card Protection

An Assembly committee approved legislation to grant users of debit cards protections similar to those enjoyed by credit cardholders. AB 1638 by Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblywoman Valerie Brown (D-Kenwood) had failed in a legislative committee last week when Assembly Banking Committee Chairman Lou Papan (D-Millbrae) inadvertently closed the vote before fellow lawmaker Kerry Mazzoni (D-San Rafael) could register her support. The bill was taken up again in a special committee hearing and passed 6 to 1. Now the measure goes to the Assembly Consumer Protection, Governmental Efficiency and Economic Development Committee for consideration.