PA House Passes Groundbreaking Legislation to Eliminate Paper Statement Fees

May 6, 2025

Bill would protect consumers from unfair financial charges


HARRISBURG – The PA House today passed bipartisan consumer protection legislation introduced by state Rep. Arvind Venkat along with state Reps. Rob Matzie and Tom Mehaffie that would prohibit businesses from charging additional fees for providing paper account statements. 

Venkat, D-Allegheny, said the measure would shield lower-income people, older adults and others with limited access to digital technology from unnecessary and often hidden financial burdens. 

House Bill 81 would classify paper statement fees as an unfair or deceptive practice. While businesses could still encourage digital options through incentives, they would be forbidden from charging consumers more when they prefer paper copies of their account statements. 

“Far too many Pennsylvanians – especially seniors, those on fixed incomes, and people without reliable internet – rely on paper statements to manage their finances,” said Venkat, the prime sponsor of the bill. “Charging a fee just to access basic account information and manage one’s finances is an unnecessary expense for consumers. This legislation puts an end to that.” 

Financial institutions sometimes charge between 50 cents and $5 per month for paper statements – fees that can add up to $60 annually per account. These charges disproportionately impact consumers least able to afford them. 

“This is about fairness,” said Matzie, D-Beaver, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “No one should have to pay extra just to see where their money is going or to pay their bills. Paper statements are not a luxury – they are a necessity for many.” 

The legislation also includes a provision allowing businesses to offer discounts or incentives to consumers who choose electronic statements voluntarily, so long as paper statement recipients are not penalized. 

“This is a victory for consumers across Pennsylvania,” said Mehaffie, R-Dauphin. “By banning these fees, Pennsylvania is sending a clear message: protecting Pennsylvanians matters more than padding corporate profits.” 

The legislators said the bill would benefit millions of Pennsylvanians and could become a model for similar reforms in other states. The legislation now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

 


Representative Thomas Mehaffie
106th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives