Brief ⁽¹⁾

HB 2549 amends the law regarding worthless checks to provide the following:

• Expand the liability for writing a worthless check to include interest at the statutory rate;
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• Change the current law that refers to the use of restricted mail for a written demand to first class mail;
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• Provide that a service charge or worthless check shall not exceed $30;
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• Add an element to the definition of giving a worthless check that includes a check for which the maker has not tendered to the holder's agent the money demanded within the allowable time limit; and
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• The bill is effective upon publication in the Kansas Register.

Background

Those appearing in support of the bill included two collection attorneys and conferees representing the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Kansas Food Dealer's Association, and the Kansas Bar Association.

There was no opposition.

The fiscal note indicates that it is impossible to estimate the number of cases that will be filed. A more accurate assessment will be possible, if the bill passes, after the courts have some experience with the act.

1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/fulltext.cgi