ALBANY, NY – In a major victory for economic equity and consumer rights, legislation sponsored by Senator James Sanders Jr. (S4153-A) and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas (A7929-A) has officially passed both houses of the New York State Legislature. The bill prohibits food stores and retail establishments from refusing to accept payment in cash, ensuring that all New Yorkers—especially low-income, elderly, and unbanked individuals—can access essential goods and services.
“Cash is still king for many New Yorkers who live paycheck to paycheck or who simply don’t have access to credit or banking services,” said Senator James Sanders Jr. “No one should be denied a sandwich, a bottle of water, or a loaf of bread because they don’t have a debit card. This bill is about fairness and basic dignity.”
