The proposed legislation, introduced in the Ohio House earlier this month, targets a growing number of stores and restaurants that have gone card-only or digital-only. Under the bill, businesses could still use electronic payments but would need to accept cash from customers for transactions below the $500 threshold.
Rep. Amanda Reeves (D-Cleveland), one of the bill’s sponsors, described the legislation as “a matter of inclusion and access.” She noted that roughly 5% of Ohio households are unbanked, meaning they lack a checking or savings account, and many others prefer to use cash for privacy or budgeting reasons. “No Ohioan should be excluded from commerce simply because they use cash,” Reeves said during a committee hearing last week.
Business groups and some lawmakers have expressed concern about the proposed rule, warning that it could create logistical challenges, increase security risks, and add costs associated with handling physical money. “For smaller shops that moved digital during the pandemic, this could be a step backward,” said Mark Delaney, policy director for the Ohio Retail Association. “Digital transactions help reduce theft, speed up service, and cut overhead.”
Several other states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts, already have similar laws on the books, while others are considering comparable measures. Advocates argue that such policies promote equity, particularly for low-income and older consumers who may not have reliable access to credit or digital payment tools.
The bill is currently under review by the House Commerce and Labor Committee, where lawmakers are expected to hear additional testimony in the coming weeks. If passed, the “Cash Act” would take effect in mid-2026, giving businesses time to adapt their payment systems.
As Ohio’s economy continues to evolve toward digital transactions, the debate over cash acceptance highlights an enduring question: how to balance technological convenience with economic inclusion.