(a) “Electronic funds transfer” means any transfer of funds, other than a transaction originated by check, draft, or similar paper instrument, that is initiated through an electronic terminal, telephonic instrument, or computer or magnetic tape, so as to order, instruct, or authorize a financial institution to debit or credit an account. Electronic funds transfers shall be executed by one of the following methods:
(1) An automated clearinghouse debit in which the state, through its designated depository bank, originates an automated clearinghouse transaction debiting the person’s bank account and crediting the state’s bank account for the amount of the debit. Banking costs incurred for the automated clearinghouse debit transaction shall be paid by the state.
(2) An automated clearinghouse credit in which the person, through his or her own bank, originates an entry crediting the state’s bank account and debiting his or her own bank account. Banking costs incurred for the automated clearinghouse credit transaction charged to the state shall be paid by the person originating the credit.
(3) A Federal Reserve Wire Network transfer (Fedwire) originated by a person utilizing the national electronic payment system to transfer funds through the federal reserve banks, when that person debits his or her own bank account and credits the state’s bank account. Electronic funds transfers may be made by Fedwire only if payment cannot, for good cause, be made according to paragraph (1) or (2), and the use of Fedwire is preapproved by the board. Banking costs incurred for the Fedwire transaction charged to the person and to the state shall be paid by the person originating the transaction.
(b) For purposes of this section, “automated clearinghouse” means any federal reserve bank, or an organization established in agreement with the National Automated Clearing House Association, that operates as a clearinghouse for transmitting or receiving entries between banks or bank accounts and which authorizes an electronic transfer of funds between these banks or bank accounts.
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 118, Sec. 1. (AB 637) Effective January 1, 2010.)