An act relating to requiring retail businesses to accept cash

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Donahue

The bill would require Vermont retail businesses to accept cash as payment for goods and services.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development

Summary of Bill H 24 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

The bill is titled: An act relating to requiring retail businesses to accept cash.

Its core objective is to ensure that retail businesses in Vermont accept cash as a form of payment, safeguarding payment choice for consumers who use or rely on cash.

Key provisions and changes

Requirement to accept cash: Retail businesses would be mandated to accept physical currency (i.e., cash) as payment for goods and services.

Scope: Applies to retail establishments within Vermont. The bill’s text would specify any limits or exceptions (e.g., for certain types of venues or transaction types) if present in the statutory language.

Compliance framework: The bill would outline the responsibilities of businesses to implement and maintain cash-acceptance capabilities, including signage, operational processes, and any required training or recordkeeping to demonstrate compliance.

Enforcement and penalties: The measure would specify enforcement mechanisms, including potential penalties for noncompliance and the process for complaint resolution or remediation.

Preemption or coordination: The bill may address how it interacts with existing state consumer-protection or commerce laws, and whether it preempts local ordinances or local business practices.

Who would be affected

Retail businesses operating in Vermont that engage in the sale of goods and services to consumers.

Employees and management of these businesses would be involved in ensuring cash acceptance and related policies.

Consumers, particularly those who rely on cash for transactions, would gain a protected right to pay with cash where the business is compliant.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced and read in the Vermont House on January 9, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.

Next steps in committee: The committee would review, possibly amend, hold hearings, and decide whether to advance the bill to the full chamber. If advanced, it would go to the House floor for consideration, followed by the Senate (if applicable) and potential governor action.

Sponsors: Co-sponsor Anne Donahue, indicating supportive bi-partisan or party alignment favorable to the measure’s aims.

Additional notes

The summary reflects available information from the bill’s introductory action history. Full details (such as exact definitions, carve-outs, specific penalties, exemption criteria, and effective date) would be clarified in the bill’s statutory language as amended by the committee and debated on the House floor.