Bill Description: House Bill 417 would require state departments and agencies to accept cash payments and forbid them from charging an additional fee for using cash. 

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Does it violate the principle of equal protection under the law? Examples include laws which discriminate or differentiate based on age, gender, or religion, or which apply laws, regulations, rules, or penalties differently based on such characteristics. Conversely, does it restore or protect the principle of equal protection under the law?

House Bill 417 would create Section 67-2360, Idaho Code, to require that "any official, department, board, commission, or agency of the state of Idaho that accepts payment for transactions" must "accept cash as a method of payment along with any other methods of payment the official, department, board, commission, or agency may accept." 

Additionally, the bill would say that "no official, department, board, commission, or agency of the state of Idaho may charge any additional fee for cash payment."

Of note, it does not appear that this legislation would prevent an office from offering reduced fees for those who use an online system and associated digital payment methods, as proposed by House Bill 414, for driver's license renewal.

There are many reasons why some people prefer to use cash, including increased personal privacy and reduced chances of identity theft. Preserving the option to pay with cash could also help ensure that all people — including the homeless and others who may not have credit cards or bank accounts — have equal access to government services or functions that require payment. 

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