CHAPTER 365

H.P. 1083 - L.D. 1542

An Act To Provide Relief to Retailers Who Have Been Issued

Bad Checks

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 14 MRSA §6071, sub-§5 is enacted to read:

5.__Second dishonored check.__A person who intentionally issues or negotiates a 2nd check that is dishonored to the same payee within one year of issuing or negotiating the first dishonored check knowing that the check will not be honored by the maker or drawee is liable to the payee not only for the face amount of the check, the costs and attorney's fees pursuant to subsections 1 and 2, but also for additional liquidated damages if the check is dishonored and the drawer fails to pay the face amount of the check within 30 days of a written demand for payment by the payee.

A.__If a check is not honored by the drawee bank because the drawer has no account with the bank, the additional liquidated damages are in an amount twice the face amount of the check or $750, whichever is less.

B.__If a check is not honored by the drawee bank because the drawer has insufficient funds on deposit with the bank, the additional liquidated damages are in an amount twice the face amount of the check or $400, whichever is less.