New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S04153

Introduced
2/3/25  
Refer
2/3/25  
Engrossed
4/8/25  
Refer
4/8/25  
Engrossed
5/29/25  
Refer
5/29/25  
Engrossed
5/29/25  
Enrolled
11/17/25  
Chaptered
11/21/25  

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, S04153 would fundamentally alter the operational practices of food stores and retail establishments across the state. Businesses would be required by law to accept cash as a legitimate payment method, which could have financial implications for those that have moved towards cashless models. Additionally, establishments would be prohibited from charging higher prices for transactions made in cash compared to cashless payments, promoting price fairness in retail transactions. Penalties for non-compliance would include civil fines, enforcing adherence among businesses.

Summary

Bill S04153 aims to amend the general business law in New York by prohibiting food stores and retail establishments from refusing to accept cash payments. This legislation is intended to ensure that all consumers, regardless of their access to cashless payment methods, can make purchases in retail environments. By establishing these requirements, the bill seeks to protect the rights of consumers who might rely on cash for their transactions, addressing concerns about increasing cashless payment trends that could alienate certain groups of people.

Contention

Discussions surrounding the bill reflect concerns on both sides. Supporters argue that the bill is essential for consumer rights and equitable access to commerce, particularly for underprivileged populations who rely on cash. Critics, however, may raise issues regarding the potential burden on retailers to adapt their payment systems and manage cash handling security. As the trend towards digital payments continues, balancing innovation and consumer rights presents a significant point of contention among lawmakers and stakeholders.

Companion Bills

NY A07929

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 A07929

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

NY A02540

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 SB1005

Further providing for definitions and for refusal to provide property prohibited, providing for refusal to accept cash payment and further providing for injunctive relief, for civil penalties and for private actions.

NY HB4610

Relating to requiring the acceptance of cash payments by retailers in certain transactions.

NY A09396

Prohibits the use of electronic shelving labels, digital shelf display technology in food retail establishments and drug retail establishments; provides injunctive relief and civil penalties.

NY S08616

Prohibits the use of electronic shelving labels, digital shelf display technology, and surveillance pricing in food retail establishments and drug retail establishments; provides injunctive relief and civil penalties.

NY HF3607

Retail establishments required to accept cash as payment.

NY H0067

Acceptance of Cash Payments by Businesses

NY HB4592

ACCEPTANCE OF CASH PAYMENTS

NY SF2278

A bill for an act prohibiting personalized algorithmic pricing and surveillance pricing at certain food retail establishments, and providing civil penalties.

Similar Bills

NV AB308

Revises provisions relating to cannabis establishment agents. (BDR 56-822)

IL HB3729

VIDEO GAMING-VARIOUS

NH HB1469

Relative to the licensing requirements for massage therapy establishments.

IL HB3135

VIDEO GAMING-LICENSEE LOCATION

NV AB116

Revises provisions relating to food delivery service platform providers. (BDR 52-898)

CA SB1363

Barbering and cosmetology.

IN HB1577

Mobile retail food establishment licenses.

IA SF41

A bill for an act relating to a barbering and cosmetology establishment training program.