DE HB320

Prohibits retail stores from refusing to accept cash as payment for consumer goods or services, with limited exceptions for telephone/mail/internet transactions, parking facilities, membership-based clubs, and employee-only facilities.

Bans discrimination against cash-paying consumers, including prohibitions on charging higher prices, requiring cash conversion to prepaid cards, or providing fewer checkout locations for cash transactions.

Establishes graduated civil penalties: up to $1,000 for first violations, $1,500 for second violations, and $2,500 for third and subsequent violations.

Creates a private right of action allowing consumers to sue for damages caused by violations, with double damages for second violations and triple damages for third or subsequent violations, plus attorneys' fees and litigation costs for prevailing consumers.

Grants the Division of Consumer Protection authority to interpret, implement, and enforce the law through regulations, with an effective date upon regulation promulgation or 6 months after enactment, whichever occurs first.