Bill > HB2683

This bill requires retail businesses with physical locations in Arizona to accept cash as a payment method for goods and services valued at $100 or less, and prohibits them from charging fees for cash payments. Specifically, if a business denies a customer the right to pay with cash or imposes a cash payment penalty, the customer can take legal action and potentially receive damages of $1,000 per violation, up to a total of $5,000, plus attorney fees and costs. The bill provides some exemptions, including online sales and situations where a written contract specifies alternative payment methods. The damages will be annually adjusted for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index published by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The term "retail business" is defined according to existing Arizona tax classification standards. This legislation aims to ensure cash remains a viable payment option for consumers in physical retail establishments, protecting those who prefer or rely on cash transactions.