IL SB1979

Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to require retail mercantile establishments (fuel stations, pharmacies, restaurants, and grocery stores) with in-person payment staff to accept cash for transactions under $750.

Prohibits covered retailers from refusing cash payments, posting signs stating cash is not accepted, or charging higher prices to cash customers for purchases under $750.

Exempts self-service checkouts, late-night sales (11 p.m. to 6 a.m. for restaurants, fuel stations, and grocery stores), membership-only models, online/phone orders, and businesses that offer prepaid card conversion from cash acceptance requirements.

Requires state and local agencies and public utilities to accept cash for amounts under $750, and permits retailers to limit cash acceptance to bills of $20 or smaller.

Establishes fines for violations: first violation up to $50, second violation within 12 months up to $100, third and subsequent violations within 12 months up to $500, with annual establishment cap of $5,000; effective January 1, 2024.