DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 448 Original 2024 Regular Session Mandie Landry
Abstract: Requires certain businesses to accept cash as a payment option for in-person transactions.
Proposed law defines "cash", "cashless retail transaction", "consumer", and "consumer good or
service".
Proposed law provides for legislative intent in requiring a cash option for certain retail transactions.
Proposed law applies to retail businesses that offer in-person services and does not include either of
the following:
(1)Telephone, mail, or internet transactions.
(2)Transactions that require posting of collateral or security.
Proposed law prohibits a retail business from charging a higher price for cash or requiring a
consumer to convert cash into a prepaid card under certain circumstances.
Proposed law does not apply to any of the following:
(1)Banks or credit unions.
(2)Retail businesses that require a consumer to place a credit card on file for security or other
unforeseen expenses.
(3)Retail businesses that may be temporarily unable to accept cash under certain circumstances.
Proposed law provides that the Dept. of Justice shall adopt rules and procedures to provide notice
to retail businesses in the state.
Proposed law permits the attorney general's office to bring an action for injunctive relief, recover
court costs, and impose civil penalties of $1,000 for the first offense and $2,000 for a subsequent
offense.
Proposed law establishes the "Consumer Payment Choice Act".
Effective August 1, 2025. (Adds R.S. 51:11-14)