Electronic Payment Transactions - Interchange Fees - Calculation and Use of Data

SB 917 requires payment processors and credit/debit card issuers to exclude tax and gratuity amounts from the transaction total when calculating interchange fees for electronic payments. This means merchants will no longer be charged fees on taxes or tips, and issuers must refund any fees already collected on these portions upon receiving proper documentation from merchants. The bill also prohibits certain entities from using electronic payment data for specific purposes and classifies violations as unfair or deceptive trade practices under Maryland's Consumer Protection Act. These changes directly affect merchants and payment processors in Maryland by altering fee structures and data usage rules.