Bill to protect cash payments for essentials draws mixed reaction

Delegate Greg Williams told the Senate Finance Committee that House Bill 191 aims to protect Marylanders who rely on cash to buy essential goods — food, medicine and other necessities — by prohibiting in‑person merchants from refusing cash for qualifying purchases.

"This bill aims to address the increasing problems that a lot of my residents are having when it comes to using cash to buy clothes, food, and medicine," Williams said. He described exemptions for certain transactions (telephone/mail/Internet, vending machines) and added language to accommodate merchants concerned about large bills and cash handling. The sponsor cited an estimate of roughly 200,000 unbanked Marylanders as background.

Supporters from the CASH Campaign of Maryland and Maryland Legal Aid urged a favorable report, arguing the bill ensures dignity and access for people who rely on cash. Retail representatives opposed the bill as unnecessary for many retailers and flagged a possible conflict with separate legislation allowing merchants to round prices when pennies are unavailable; they also raised concerns about operational burdens.

The panel heard supporting and opposing testimony; the committee concluded the hearing without recording a vote.