HB 177 Summary

• Prohibits retail stores from refusing to accept cash as payment for consumer goods or services in in-person transactions.

• Bars retail stores from discriminating against cash-paying consumers through higher prices, requiring conversion to prepaid cards, or providing fewer checkout locations than non-cash customers.

• Excludes telephone, mail, internet transactions, parking facilities, and utility companies from the cash payment requirement.

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

• Allows consumers to sue for all damages on second or subsequent violations, with double damages for second violations and triple damages for third or subsequent violations, plus attorney's fees if they prevail; private action claims must be filed within three years.