MN HF3779

Food stores and retail establishments are prohibited from refusing to accept cash payment from consumers, with exceptions for bills over $20 and remote transactions (phone, mail, internet).

Establishments cannot charge consumers who pay in cash a higher price than those paying by cashless methods for the same item.

Businesses may comply with cash acceptance requirements by providing an on-premises device that converts cash into a prepaid card, provided the device charges no fee and requires no deposit greater than $1.

Cash deposits on prepaid cards have no expiration date and unlimited transaction availability; if the conversion device malfunctions, the establishment must accept cash and display a conspicuous notice of this requirement.

Violations result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 for the first offense and up to $1,500 for each subsequent violation; effective January 1, 2021.