HB 97 Summary

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

• Bars retail stores from discriminating against cash-paying customers through higher prices, mandatory conversion to prepaid cards, or fewer checkout locations compared to non-cash payment methods.

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

• Grants consumers a private right of action to recover damages for violations, including double damages for second violations and triple damages for third or subsequent violations, plus attorneys' fees and litigation expenses.

• Effective upon promulgation of regulations by the Division of Consumer Protection or 6 months after enactment, whichever occurs first.