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HB 2481

Businesses in WV must accept cash

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Brooks and 9 co-sponsors

House Bill 2481 mandates West Virginia businesses to accept cash, ensuring consumer rights and preventing discrimination against cash transactions in retail settings.

To House Finance
#consumerprotection
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Bill Summary · HB 2481

Summary of House Bill 2481: Businesses in WV Must Accept Cash

Bill Number: HB 2481
Introduced On: February 17, 2025
Current Status: To House Finance
Classification: Bill
Subject: Consumer Protection

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2481 aims to ensure that businesses in West Virginia accept cash as a valid form of payment. The bill seeks to protect consumers' rights by preventing discrimination against cash transactions, particularly in retail establishments where food, goods, or services are sold.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces a new article to the Code of West Virginia, specifically:

Article 22: Cash Payment Nondiscrimination

  • Section 31-22-1: Enactment

    • Mandatory Acceptance of Cash: All retail establishments that prepare, sell, or serve food, as well as other businesses offering goods or services, must accept United States currency (cash) as legal tender.
    • Prohibition of Discrimination: Businesses cannot require customers to use credit or debit cards or electronic payment methods to complete a purchase.
    • Exemptions: The West Virginia Treasurer's Office is authorized to create regulations that may allow exemptions based on:
    • The nature of the establishment
    • The type of food, goods, or services offered
    • The denomination of currency used
    • The amount of the transaction
    • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Violations of this section may result in fines up to $500.

  • Section 31-22-2: Effective Date

    • The provisions of this article will take effect upon passage of the bill. The West Virginia Department of Commerce is empowered to implement necessary regulations on that date.

Who Would Be Affected?

  • Businesses: Retail establishments, particularly those involved in food service, will be required to adapt their payment policies to accept cash.
  • Consumers: This legislation aims to benefit consumers who prefer or rely on cash transactions, ensuring they are not excluded from purchasing goods and services.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the House Finance Committee on February 17, 2025.
  • If passed, the bill will take effect immediately, allowing for swift implementation of its provisions.

Conclusion

House Bill 2481 is a consumer protection measure designed to uphold the right to use cash as a payment method in West Virginia. By mandating that businesses accept cash, the bill addresses concerns about accessibility and inclusivity in financial transactions, particularly for those who may not have access to electronic payment methods.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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