WEST VIRGINIA — A bill introduced in the West Virginia House of Delegates would require most businesses in the state to accept cash as a form of payment.
House Bill 4060 was introduced by Kathie Hess Crouse during the 2026 regular legislative session and has been referred to the House Finance Committee. The bill would add a new section to state law requiring retail businesses to accept United States currency when customers offer to pay with cash.
Under the proposal, any retail establishment where food is prepared, sold, or served — as well as other businesses offering goods or services for sale — would be prohibited from refusing cash payments or requiring customers to use credit cards, debit cards, or electronic payment methods. The bill does not apply to online, mail-order, telephone, or other transactions where the customer is not physically present at the business.
The bill allows the West Virginia Treasurer’s Office to create rules to carry out the law, including allowing certain exemptions. Possible exemptions could be based on factors such as the type of business, the goods or services being sold, the amount of the transaction, or the denomination of cash being used.
Businesses that violate the proposed law could face a fine of up to $500.
If passed, the bill would take effect immediately upon passage. The West Virginia Department of Commerce would be responsible for adopting any necessary regulations and taking steps to enforce the new requirement.
Supporters say the bill is intended to ensure that customers who rely on cash are not excluded from making purchases as more businesses move toward cashless payment systems.
