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 cash remains a viable payment option for consumers, particularly in physical retail settings. However, the bill specifies that this obligation does not extend to automated services or online transactions.

The legislation is sponsored by Representatives Ligon, Haddon, Martin, and Terribile and was introduced in the House on February 12, 2025. If enacted, the law would take effect upon approval by the Governor, reinforcing the importance of cash transactions in retail environments while recognizing the limitations regarding automated and online payment systems.