STATE HOUSE – Banks and credit unions in Rhode Island would be required to cash government checks of up to $1,000 for anyone with valid state-issued identification under legislation sponsored by Rep. Joseph N. Amaral..

"This is a good consumer bill," said Representative Amaral, a Republican who represents District 70 in Tiverton and Portsmouth. "It means that people, especially the elderly, won't be denied a service they need."

At present, banks and credit unions are prohibited from refusing to cash checks of $750 or less drawn on federal, state or municipal funds, even if the person cashing the check doesn't have an account at that institution.

Rep. Amaral's bill, now before the House Judiciary Committee, raises the ceiling to $1,000.

Under existing law, a person's identification can be a driver's license, a Rhode Island identification card or a picture identification card issued by the Department of Elderly Affairs.Rep. Amaral submitted the bill on behalf of the Dept. of Elderly Affairs.

"This isn't a big change for banks, but it would make a big difference to many seniors," said Representative Amaral.