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Vermont representative introduces bill to require merchants to accept cash
Summary
Representative Anne Donahue introduced H.24 to bar merchants from refusing cash payments, saying the measure protects low-income residents who lack bank accounts or credit cards. The bill was introduced for committee consideration and no vote was recorded.
Representative Anne Donahue introduced H.24 to the Vermont House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development on April 1, 2025, a one-page bill that would prohibit sellers from refusing cash as a method of payment.
The bill text, read into the record by Donahue, states: "a seller or lesser who offers goods or services to consumers shall not refuse to accept cash as a method of payment." Donahue said a person who violates that section "commits an unfair practice in commerce in violation of the commerce section." She said H.24 is one page long and can be read in full during the hearing.
Donahue said the proposal responds to an emerging pattern she attributes to expanded electronic payment infrastructure: some businesses are declining cash for convenience. "The biggest problem is for those folks who can only deal in cash," she said, noting the change disproportionately affects low-income consumers who lack bank accounts or credit cards.
Donahue told the committee she had received one endorsement for the bill, naming the group in a lighthearted aside as the "National Association of Armored Vehicles." Committee staff invited Donahue to present the bill and no committee action, vote, or referral was recorded during the session.
The bill was introduced alongside two other measures from Donahue during the committee's April 1 agenda; committee members scheduled additional presenters later in the meeting.
