Wisconsin lawmakers have advanced a bill to prohibit cashless businesses statewide to ensure all citizens are empowered to buy goods and services without restriction.
The bipartisan bill would prevent establishments from refusing cash for any in-person transaction of less than $2,000, with fines of between $200 and $5,000 for transgressions.
Representative Michael Schraa, who co-authored the bill, explained at a public hearing in late November 2023 that he believes payment choice should lie with individuals, and people who lack bank accounts or credit cards are being disenfranchised by businesses that will not take cash. He also believes a ‘cashless society’ would encourage people to incur credit card debts, with many people finding cash an easier way to budget.
