COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio lawmakers are weighing legislation that would require businesses and government offices to accept cash for most in-person transactions.
House Bill 554, introduced in October by Rep. David Thomas (R-Smithville), would mandate that any business or government agency provide at least one point-of-sale location that accepts cash for purchases, debts or transactions of $500 or less. The bill would also prohibit charging cash-paying customers higher prices than those using digital or card payments.
The legislation, dubbed the CASH — Currency Access to Spend Here — Act, stems from what Thomas said were concerns from constituents who have been turned away when attempting to pay with cash. In an Oct. 31 news release, Thomas said the bill is intended to ensure “all Ohioans have the ability to use cash,” while balancing the needs of businesses by requiring only one cash-accepting register per location…