Advocates for economic fairness scored a win in the Arizona House Commerce Committee this week, as Representative Joseph Chaplik's bill, HB2683, which requires businesses to accept cash payments, passed unanimously. This move is a clear push for inclusivity, particularly for the state's unbanked citizens. The Arizona Legislature reports that the bill is designed to prevent discrimination against individuals who rely on cash to make purchases, ensuring they can conduct transactions up to $100 at physical store locations.

"For centuries, cash has been the foundation of commerce in America. It’s legal tender, backed by the U.S. government, and it should never be refused as a form of payment," Representative Chaplik emphasized, explaining the motivation behind the bill. He highlighted the plight of the 11% of Arizonans who, do not have access to bank accounts and depend on cash for their daily needs. In a statement obtained by The Arizona Legislature, Chaplik said, "Businesses that refuse to accept cash are shutting out the most financially vulnerable among us, and that’s unacceptable."

HB2683 takes a clear stand against any additional fees or penalties on cash transactions and introduces civil penalties for businesses that violate these terms. The newly endorsed legislation is limited to retail businesses with physical locations and does not impact online sales or private contracts. In essence, it's a measure to protect the right to use U.S. currency where it has always been most tangible: in person, hand to hand.

In an era where digital transactions are increasingly overshadowing cash, this bill represents Arizona's commitment to freedom of choice in the marketplace. Representative Chaplik stated, "In Arizona, we believe in freedom and fairness, and that includes the right to use legal tender," citing the passage of similar laws in Colorado, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as evidence of a growing consensus on the issue. The representative's comments indicate that this is not just about practicality, but a question of principle – ensuring that low-income families, seniors, and those who value privacy retain their autonomy in financial dealings, as per the Arizona Legislature.

With a 10-0 committee endorsement, HB2683 now moves forward to the Arizona House of Representatives for further deliberation. As the Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee and an advocate for individual rights, Representative Chaplik continues to call for measures that push back against government and corporate overreach. Interested parties can follow his efforts and updates on the bill's progress via his social media presence on X, where he can be found as @JosephChaplik.