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HB 984

Virginia Consumer Protection Act; cash payments, discrimination prohibited, penalty.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Garrett

HB 984 prohibits Virginia businesses from refusing cash payments and establishes penalties for discrimination, protecting financial inclusion for unbanked consumers.

Left in Labor and Commerce
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 984

Legislative bill overview

HB 984 amends Virginia's Consumer Protection Act to prohibit businesses from discriminating against customers based on their payment method, specifically protecting the right to pay with cash. The bill establishes penalties for violations and creates enforcement mechanisms through the state's consumer protection framework.

Why is this important

As digital payment systems become dominant, some businesses have moved toward cashless operations, which can exclude unbanked and underbanked populations, elderly citizens, and those with privacy concerns. This bill addresses equity concerns by legally requiring cash acceptance for transactions, ensuring financial inclusion across Virginia's population.

Potential points of contention

  • Business operational costs: Retailers argue cash handling increases labor costs, security expenses, and operational complexity compared to digital payments
  • Practical enforcement challenges: Determining when a business's cash refusal constitutes illegal discrimination versus legitimate operational decisions may create litigation and compliance ambiguity
  • Federal precedent questions: Cash is legal tender for debts, but whether mandatory acceptance applies to all retail transactions remains legally contested in other jurisdictions
  • Scope ambiguity: Bill language may not clearly address exceptions for online-only businesses, delivery services, or specific transaction types

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

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