If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section to Title 44, Chapter 38 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which would require retail businesses with a physical location in the state to accept cash for goods and services valued at $100 or less. The bill prohibits these businesses from charging any fees or penalties for cash transactions. It also establishes a cause of action for individuals who are denied the right to use cash or are charged fees for doing so, allowing them to seek damages of up to $1,000 per violation or $5,000 total, along with reasonable attorney fees.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the court adjust the specified damages annually for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index. It clarifies that the cash acceptance requirement does not apply to written contracts specifying payment methods or online sales. The chapter heading of Title 44, Chapter 38 would also be updated to reflect these changes, shifting from "BUSINESSES EXEMPT FROM MASK MANDATE" to "BUSINESSES GENERALLY." The definition of "retail business" would be included to specify which businesses are subject to this new requirement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 44-7952