Panel hears bill directing BOLI to educate businesses about obligation to accept cash

Senate Bill 1196, reviewed March 12 by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, would direct the Bureau of Labor and Industries to conduct continuing advertising and education efforts to inform businesses and the public that places of public accommodation must accept cash for goods and services. The measure requires BOLI to continue outreach until it demonstrates a “high rate of compliance.” The bill takes effect 91 days after adjournment sine die.

Abby, the committee staff member who presented the bill summary, told the committee that the measure grew out of complaints and anecdotal incidents in which businesses — including some retail outlets at a university venue and at hotels — refused cash. Senator Manning described personal experiences of being refused when trying to pay a small tab and stressed the access issues for people without debit or credit cards.

Committee members discussed the limited exemptions already established in prior law and local practice, including so-called “reverse vending” machines used at motor vehicle centers or stadium retail operations that allow patrons to convert cash into a temporary debit-like card for purchases and then redeem any remaining balance in cash. Staff confirmed earlier legislation included a limited exemption for venues that use that approach and that operators are not allowed to charge a fee for providing the cash-to-card conversion.

No one signed up to testify at the hearing. The committee set the record and closed the public hearing; no amendments or final action were taken at this meeting.