Committee hears bill to require BOLI outreach on businesses' obligation to accept cash

The House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection opened a public hearing April 24 on Senate Bill 1176, which would direct the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) to conduct an ongoing effort to publicize and explain the legal obligation of places of public accommodation to accept U.S. currency as payment for goods and services.

Proponents told the committee the bill is meant to prompt broader outreach, not to attach new penalties, and to ensure consumers who do not use bank accounts or cards can still pay in cash. Senator James Ivory Manning Jr., sponsor of the measure, described encountering venues that declined cash despite an existing law requiring acceptance and said SB 1176 would fund education and signage so businesses understand current requirements.

Supporters said low-cost outreach — website updates, social media and BOLI complaint intake — could resolve most issues. Chris Coughlin of Oregon Consumer Justice told the committee that despite an earlier law, many businesses still refuse cash and consumers do not always know the law exists. He recommended low-cost educational steps and noted a provision in the bill that would permit BOLI to accept complaints.

Members pressed the bill’s sponsor and staff about enforcement and funding. Senator Manning said the measure’s chief purpose is education; he acknowledged BOLI has proposed a 0.5 full-time equivalent position to sustain outreach and some enforcement functions but that personnel and enforcement specifics were not part of the bill as introduced. Representative Kate asked whether the original law included an enforcement mechanism; Manning replied outreach was the immediate goal and separate rulemaking or budget requests could follow to add staff or enforcement.

Several public commentators asked how the law applies to municipal utilities and other government-run services. Robert Greenway described a dispute with a city utility that restricted coin and cash payments, reported being charged fees and asked for state intervention. Committee members noted the bill, as written, applies to "places of public accommodation;" a member suggested Legislative Policy and Research (LPRO) check ORS 659A.400 to clarify whether certain municipally operated utilities qualify. The committee agreed to follow up with staff research.

No final action or vote was taken during the hearing; the committee closed the public hearing after receiving testimony and questions. The discussion left open questions about whether future budget language or rulemaking would fund a BOLI position and what enforcement, if any, would follow outreach.