MD HB191

Merchants must accept cash payments for in-person retail transactions between $5 and $300, and cannot require customers to use credit or debit cards or charge fees for paying with cash

Exemptions include telephone, mail, and internet transactions, as well as parking payments at lots, garages, or metered spaces

Violations constitute unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act

The Attorney General's Division of Consumer Protection must give merchants at least two opportunities to comply before imposing fines of up to $5,000 per violation, increasing to $10,000 for subsequent violations

Effective October 1, 2026