HB28 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Debbie Wood

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Retailers, required to accept cash, store credit required if seller unable to make change

Summary

HB28 would require retailers to accept cash and not force customers to use credit, and would mandate store credit when a cash/coin shortage prevents giving exact change.

What This Bill Does

It bans retailers from discriminating against cash buyers by requiring credit and obligates them to accept legal tender when offered. It allows stores to set policies not to accept large-dollar notes over $20. If a store cannot make change due to a cash or coin shortage, it must provide store credit or a gift card equal to the change owed. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Cash-paying customers, who would be protected from being forced to pay with credit and would receive store credit instead of exact change when a shortage occurs.
• Retail establishments and merchants, who must accept cash, avoid discriminating against cash buyers, may limit acceptance of large-dollar notes, and must issue store credit when they cannot provide exact change.

Key Provisions

• Definition: cash and legal tender mean United States currency (cash or coins).
• No retailer may discriminate against cash buyers by requiring use of credit; all retailers must accept legal tender when offered as payment.
• Retailers may choose a policy not to accept legal tender notes larger than $20.
• If a retailer cannot provide exact change due to a cash or coin shortage, they must issue store credit or a gift card in the amount of the change due.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Retailers