B 26-0138 Legislature · 26th Council Period (2025-2026)

Fair Swipe Act of 2025

The Fair Swipe Act of 2025 prohibits credit and debit card networks from charging interchange fees (swipe fees) on the sales tax and gratuity portions of restaurant and retail transactions in Washington, D.C. It directly affects local businesses, such as restaurants and retailers, which currently pay these fees on tax and tip amounts they do not retain. The bill requires merchants to submit documentation to receive credits for fees already paid, either at checkout or retroactively, and imposes a $1,000 civil penalty per violation for non-compliance. This policy change aims to help businesses retain more revenue by eliminating fees on tax and tip portions of card payments.
Sub-Topics: Sales Tax
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 24, 2025 Last action Jan 9, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
0
Committee
3
Jan 9, 2026
Committee
Re-Referral published.
legislature
Jan 6, 2026
Committee
Re-Referred to Committee of the Whole
legislature
Mar 5, 2025
Committee
Referred to Committee on Business and Economic Development
legislature
Feb 24, 2025
Introduced
B26-0138 Introduced by Councilmember Allen at Office of the Secretary
legislature
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Charles Allen
Charles Allen
DDemocratic
DC
Ward 6