29-04-2025
Oregon lawmaker proposes penalties for businesses that don't accept cash
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An Oregon lawmaker says some businesses are breaking the rules and turning away cash, shutting out customers who depend on it.
Now, a new bill is turning up the heat, with a bold reminder — cash isn't just convenient, it's the law.
If it clears, a statewide education campaign could launch later this year.
State Senator James Manning (District 7) says he tried to pay for a drink with cash, only to be told the hotel doesn't accept it — Manning helped pass a law in 2022 forcing Oregon businesses to accept cash.
'It does no good to write a bill or a law and there is no accountability portion on there,' he said.
Three years later, Manning is back with Senate Bill 1176, pushing the state's labor bureau to teach businesses to accept cash, unless it's online or a big purchase over $100.
'It's not a point of trying to punish anybody. It's the fact that this is America and U.S. currency and cash is still king,' Manning said.
The bill also calls for investigating complaints with possible penalties.
Contactless payments took off during the pandemic, and some businesses stuck with it to cut costs, reduce theft, and simplify transactions.
Manning argues that not everyone has a bank account or credit card. He says about 1 in 25 U.S. households don't use banks, and for many lower-income families, cash is essential.
'We have cash as our currency for a reason, we should be able to use it,' said Portlander resident Matthew Hochhaus. 'it's just nice to have a few bucks on hand if I need it…It could be exclusionary potentially if they have coins that they saved up cash they found around and they're not able to spend that.'
There's no federal rule forcing businesses to take cash, unless a state law says so, like Oregon's. The new bill passed the Senate and is now under House review.
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