The proposed bill, S.B. No. 2025-2026, seeks to enact section 1333.97 of the Revised Code, mandating that retail merchants provide customers with the option to pay in cash. The bill defines "at retail" transactions as those conducted in person, explicitly excluding telephone, mail, or internet-based transactions. It prohibits retailers from requiring payment by credit or denying cash as a payment option, thereby obligating them to accept cash when offered by the buyer. Violations of this provision would be classified as unfair or deceptive acts, allowing affected individuals to pursue legal action and seek remedies available under existing consumer protection laws.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific exemptions where the cash payment requirement does not apply, including certain airport vendors, municipal parking facilities, mobile payment-only parking facilities, vehicle rental companies accepting certified checks, large sports or entertainment venues, and retail establishments that provide a cash-to-prepaid card conversion service under specific conditions. These conditions include no fees for conversion or card usage, no minimum deposit requirement exceeding five dollars, and the option for customers to receive a receipt for their cash deposit.