A bill banning retailers from refusing cash payments has passed both chambers of the New York State Legislature.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator James Sanders Jr. and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, mandates that food stores and retail establishments must accept cash as a payment method. The sponsors argue that this move ensures that all New Yorkers—particularly low-income individuals, the elderly, and those without bank accounts—can access essential goods and services in a world increasingly dominated by digital payments.
The measure now awaits Governor Hochul’s signature. Senator Sanders emphasized, “Cash is still king for many New Yorkers who live paycheck to paycheck or who simply don’t have access to credit or banking services. No one should be denied a sandwich, a bottle of water, or a loaf of bread because they don’t have a debit card. This bill is about fairness and basic dignity.”