The bill H.24, introduced by Representative Donahue, aims to mandate that retail businesses in Vermont must accept cash payments for goods and services. It introduces a new section, 9 V.S.A. 2466d, which explicitly prohibits sellers or lessors from refusing cash as a payment method. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any violation of this requirement would be considered an unfair practice in commerce, as defined by section 2453 of the Vermont statutes.
The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing businesses time to adjust to the new requirement. This legislation seeks to enhance consumer protection by ensuring that all customers have the option to pay with cash, thereby promoting inclusivity in retail transactions.