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Bill

Bill

A 7929

Relates to prohibiting food stores and retail establishments from refusing to accept payment in cash

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon and 13 co-sponsors

Bill A 7929 ensures consumers can pay in cash at food stores and retail shops, protecting those without access to electronic payment methods from discrimination.

SUBSTITUTED BY S4153A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 7929

Summary of Bill A 7929

Bill Number: A 7929
Title: Relates to prohibiting food stores and retail establishments from refusing to accept payment in cash
Status: Substituted by S4153A
Introduced: April 15, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 7929 aims to ensure that consumers have the right to pay for goods and services in cash at food stores and retail establishments. The legislation seeks to address growing concerns about the increasing trend of businesses refusing cash payments, which can disproportionately affect individuals who do not have access to electronic payment methods.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition on Refusal of Cash Payments: The bill would make it illegal for food stores and retail establishments to refuse cash as a form of payment for goods and services.
  • Consumer Rights Protection: The legislation is designed to protect consumers' rights to choose their preferred method of payment without facing discrimination based on payment type.
  • Enforcement Mechanism: The bill outlines potential penalties for establishments that violate the cash payment acceptance requirement, although specific details on enforcement measures are not provided in the summary.

Affected Parties

  • Consumers: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are consumers, particularly those who rely on cash transactions, including low-income individuals and those without bank accounts.
  • Retail Establishments: Food stores and retail establishments will be required to adapt their payment policies to comply with the new law, which may involve changes to their cash handling procedures.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 15, 2025: Bill A 7929 was introduced and referred to the Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee.
  • May 5, 2025: The bill was amended and recommitted to the Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee.
  • May 19, 2025: The bill was reported and referred to the Codes Committee.
  • May 28, 2025: The bill was reported and referred to the Rules Committee.
  • May 29, 2025: The bill was reported, ordered to third reading, and subsequently substituted by S4153A.

Related Bills

Bill A 7929 is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- A 7198
- A 9811
- A 4512
- A 476
- S 4153 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill A 7929 represents a significant step towards ensuring that cash remains a viable payment option in retail settings. By prohibiting the refusal of cash payments, the bill aims to enhance consumer rights and promote inclusivity in financial transactions. The substitution of this bill by S4153A indicates ongoing legislative discussions and potential refinements to the proposed measures.

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

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