Bill > HB554

This bill requires both governmental entities and private sellers to accept cash as payment for transactions totaling $500 or less under specific circumstances. The bill defines a "governmental entity" as the state, a political subdivision, or any agent acting on their behalf that accepts payments at a physical location. For private sellers, the requirement applies to in-person retail transactions, excluding telephone, mail, or internet-based sales. The legislation mandates that sellers cannot charge higher prices to customers paying with cash and must provide at least one point-of-sale station that accepts cash payments. An important exception is made for sellers operating at airports, who are exempt from these requirements. If a seller violates these provisions, they can be subject to legal action under consumer protection laws, with injured parties able to seek relief and the state attorney general empowered to enforce the regulations. The bill aims to ensure that cash remains a viable payment method for consumers in various transaction settings, preventing discrimination against those who prefer or primarily use cash payments.

Government Affairs

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb554