Rep. Gonzalez Backing Effort to Ensure Businesses Accept Cash Payments

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinoisans who rely on cash for everyday transactions would be able to work with more businesses under new legislation backed by state Rep. Edgar Gonzalez, D-Chicago. 

“Many people  across the state lack access to a full range of financial services for a variety of reasons including banking deserts and citizenship status,” Gonzalez said. “While many businesses are looking to go cashless, we have to make sure that everyone can buy their prescriptions, pay a restaurant bill, and fill up a gas tank, whether or not they have a credit card or a bank account.” 

Gonzalez  is sponsoring Senate Bill 1979, which would ensure businesses that provide vital services still accept cash. The bill would cover fuel stations, grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants under certain circumstances. These exceptions include self-service checkouts, a retailer who does not have the technology to process cash payments, transactions done over the phone, among others. 

The Office of the State Treasurer supports the bill. Gonzalez passed the bill through the House Consumer Protection Committee, and  is now moving the legislation to the floor for final passage. 

“Seniors on a fixed income, undocumented immigrants and working families who don’t meet arbitrary credit score and income requirements rely on cash to complete many of their daily transactions,” Gonzalez said. “They are often not allowed at some businesses because they don’t have a credit card or bank account. It is unacceptable, and I look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues to support countless Illinoisans.”