State legislatures are taking action to protect customers using cash in today’s electronic payment-driven market.
Many of the bills would prohibit merchants from refusing cash payments or charging more for the use of cash in a transaction. Some bills are more narrow and would only apply to government entities, food stores and retail establishments or essential goods. In May, for example, Maryland enacted HB 191/Chapter 714, which prohibits merchants from refusing a cash payment between certain hours for things like food, water, personal hygiene products, health products and fuel. Maine’s new cash requirement, on the other hand, only applies to municipalities or government entities that charge customers a fee for credit card purchases.
