South Dakota House Bill HB1061

South Dakota 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/26
• Refer: 1/14/26

Caption

Require the acceptance of cash as payment in certain transactions.

Impact

If enacted, HB1061 would significantly alter the current landscape of payment methods accepted by businesses and government entities within South Dakota. The legislation prohibits any entity from charging higher prices for cash transactions and ensures that public institutions must also accept cash for fees and charges, thus reinforcing consumer rights. This move could protect access to cash for various demographics, including those who may be unbanked or prefer physical currency over digital transactions.

Summary

House Bill 1061 proposes to mandate that cash be accepted as a form of payment for certain transactions in South Dakota. This legislation specifically targets retail sales where the transaction occurs in-person, and the total amount is $100 or less. The bill aims to ensure that consumers have the right to pay with cash without being subjected to additional fees for doing so. Furthermore, it defines 'cash' as physical coins and currency recognized by federal law to avoid any ambiguity in interpretation.

Contention

While the bill seeks to safeguard consumers’ ability to use cash, there are potential concerns regarding its implementation. Critics may argue that the requirement to accept cash could lead to increased administrative burdens for businesses, particularly in sectors where cash transactions are less common. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the exceptions provided in the bill, which outline specific scenarios where cash payments are not required, such as for federally chartered credit unions and in cases involving security deposits.