The proposed bill SB1365 amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 35-142 to require that all state agencies or their authorized agents accept cash and money orders as payment for any amounts due. This is a significant change from current law, which only allows for the acceptance of credit cards under an agreement with the State Treasurer. The bill aims to ensure that individuals have the option to pay in cash or with money orders, thereby increasing accessibility for those who may not have credit cards.

Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to the existing language regarding the handling of payments and the associated fees. While current law mandates that agencies deduct any applicable discount and processing fees from credit card transactions before depositing the net amount, the new bill clarifies that cash and money orders must also be accepted without such deductions. This change is intended to simplify the payment process and ensure that all forms of payment are treated equitably.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 35-142
Senate Engrossed Version: 35-142