New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07929

Introduced
4/15/25  
Refer
4/15/25  
Report Pass
5/19/25  
Refer
5/19/25  
Report Pass
5/19/25  
Report Pass
5/28/25  
Refer
5/19/25  
Refer
5/28/25  

Caption

Prohibits food stores and retail establishments from refusing to accept payment in cash; provides a civil penalty will be assessed for such actions.

Impact

If enacted, A07929 would amend the General Business Law, introducing a penalty system for non-compliance. Retailers found guilty of refusing cash payments would face a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for the first violation and $1,500 for subsequent violations. This regulatory change aims to discourage businesses from adopting cashless payment policies that could alienate certain customer groups, thereby maintaining a level of accessibility for all consumers regardless of their financial circumstances.

Summary

Assembly Bill A07929 aims to prohibit food stores and retail establishments in New York from refusing to accept cash payments. The legislation reflects a growing concern that cashless policies disproportionately impact low-income individuals and those without access to banking services. By ensuring that cash is accepted as a form of payment, the bill seeks to uphold consumer rights and promote financial inclusion. Proponents of the bill argue that cash remains a vital form of payment for many consumers and that its exclusion can limit access to goods and services.

Contention

While the bill has gained traction among consumer advocacy groups, it has also encountered opposition from some retail businesses and trade organizations. Opponents argue that requiring cash payments could increase operational costs and potentially compromise employee safety, as accepting cash may raise the risk of theft. They contend that the market should dictate payment methods and that businesses should have the flexibility to implement cashless systems if they so choose. This clash over consumer rights versus business freedoms is likely to be a focal point in ongoing discussions surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

NY S04153

Same As Prohibits food stores and retail establishments from refusing to accept payment in cash; provides a civil penalty will be assessed for such actions.

Previously Filed As

NY A00476

Relates to prohibiting retail establishments including food-service establishments from refusing to accept payment in cash; provides a civil penalty will be assessed for such actions.

NY S02729

Relates to prohibiting retail establishments including food-service establishments from refusing to accept payment in cash; provides a civil penalty will be assessed for such actions.

NY A00105

Prohibits food-service and retail establishments from refusing to accept cash as payment for goods or services; calls for a civil fine if an establishment should refuse cash as payment.

NY S00326

Prohibits food-service and retail establishments from refusing to accept cash as payment for goods or services; calls for a civil fine if an establishment should refuse cash as payment.

NY A02250

Prohibits membership warehouse stores from selling to a retailer.

NY S04926

Prohibits membership warehouse stores from selling to a retailer.

NY S01705

Prohibits mortgagee from refusing to accept partial mortgage payments from a mortgagor which does not bring the mortgagor current on his or her mortgage debt.

NY A03837

Directs the department of agriculture and markets to establish a grading system for retail food stores, food service establishments and food warehouses.

NY A09598

Prohibits food or beverage service establishments that are part of a chain with fifteen or more locations nationally from implementing surge pricing; provides exceptions; imposes a penalty.

NY A05541

Relates to communications by retail stores attempting to settle civil actions deriving from larceny prosecutions.

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