By Bob Katzen

Bill (S 181) – Repeals a 1978 law requiring retail stores to accept both cash and credit cards.

“With the advent of e-commerce, technological advances and corresponding changes in consumer preferences and expectations, the retail shopping experience has evolved dramatically amid a worldwide move towards cashless payments using cards or mobile devices,” said the bill’s sponsor Sen. Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport). “Right now, with Massachusetts being the only state in the country with a statute that requires retailers to accept cash [the bill] would simply strike this requirement and allow retail establishments, if they choose, to allow cashless transactions only.”