PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A state lawmaker has introduced a bill to ensure that customers can pay with cash in Rhode Island stores.
Democratic Rep. Mia Ackerman, of Cumberland, says more retailers are shifting to cashless transactions, which could negatively impact working-class people, senior citizens and college students who don’t have credit cards.
Her bill would make it unlawful for any retail establishment offering goods or services for sale to discriminate against a prospective customer by requiring the use of credit for a purchase.
The House Corporations Committee is currently considering the measure. It’s backed by top Democrats in the House, including the majority leader and majority whip.
Ackerman says businesses still have an obligation to be accessible to everybody, not just those who have a credit card.
