The bill H. 3971 proposes to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Article 17 to Chapter 1, Title 1, which mandates that any establishment holding a retail license in the state must accept cash payments for in-person transactions up to two thousand dollars. This requirement is aimed at ensuring that consumers have the option to pay in cash, thereby promoting accessibility and inclusivity in retail transactions.

However, the bill specifies that this cash payment requirement does not extend to automated services or online transactions, allowing those businesses to continue operating under their existing payment methods. The legislation is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor, reflecting a legislative effort to safeguard cash payment options in retail environments.