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Committee adopts substitute narrowing cash-acceptance requirement to transactions under $200
Summary
The Senate Small Business and Economic Opportunity Committee, during the second hearing on Senate Bill 30, adopted substitute bill 0383-1 to limit the bill's cash-acceptance requirements to transactions under $200 and adjust penalties; proponents testified about impacts on unbanked Ohioans and enforcement by the attorney general.
The Senate Small Business and Economic Opportunity Committee adopted substitute bill 0383-1 during the second hearing on Senate Bill 30, narrowing the measure's cash-acceptance requirement to transactions with a net amount under $200 and tailoring the penalty structure. Committee leadership moved the substitute and, "hearing no objections, the motion is agreed to."
Proponents said the change is a reasonable compromise that protects people who rely on cash while addressing practical concerns from merchants. Sharon Montgomery testified she supports the substitute because it reduces digital-tracking concerns and helps people who do not have bank accounts or credit cards: "There is already too much information about us in cyberspace, so some of us prefer not to add to that by using credit cards or any of the newer means of electronic payment." Montgomery said the $200 cap was a sensible pilot that clarifies the requirement is calculated as a net amount and noted the bill includes a prepaid-card option in subsection d(7).
Dr. William Keenley, associate director of the Catholic Conference of Ohio, offered proponent testimony saying the bill protects people who rely on cash and that enforcement by the attorney general is an appropriate remedy: "Senate Bill 30 protects the earnings of hardworking Ohioans from a marketplace corrupted by financialization." He described the bill as a bipartisan effort to protect access to necessities for those who transact in cash.
During committee questions, Senator Lang asked for concrete examples of where cash-paying customers are refused. Dr. William Keenley offered two examples: a local dry cleaner that "doesn't accept cash" and a drugstore that often operates with unmanned registers that accept only cards, which can prevent someone from using cash to buy food or water. Senator Catrona asked that the witnesses provide contact information privately so members could follow up with affected businesses.
Committee records show the substitute was adopted by unanimous consent; the hearing was concluded and no final floor action on the bill occurred at this meeting. The bill will proceed within the legislative process for further consideration and potential amendment.
