An over-reaching government in Louisiana has told an entire business sector that they cannot use cash for transactions.
“We’re gonna lose a lot of business,” says Danny Guidry, who owns the Pioneer Trading Post in Lafayette. He deals in buying and selling unique second hand items.
“We don’t want this cash transaction to be taken away from us. It’s an everyday transaction,” Guidry explains.
Guidry says, “I think everyone in this business once they find out about it. They’re will definitely be a lot of uproar.”
The law states those who buy or sell second hand goods are prohibited from using cash. State representative Rickey Hardy co-authored the bill.
Hardy says, “they give a check or a cashiers money order, or electronic one of those three mechanisms is used.”
Hardy says the bill is targeted at criminals who steal anything from copper to televisions, and sell them for a quick buck. Having a paper trail will make it easier for law enforcement.
“It’s a mechanism to be used so the police department has something to go on and have a lead,” explains Hardy.
Guidry feels his store shouldn’t have to change it’s ways of doing business, because he may possibly buy or sell stolen goods. Something he says has happened once in his eight years.
“We are being targeted for something we shouldn’t be.”
Besides non-profit resellers like Goodwill, and garage sales, the language of the bill encompasses stores like the Pioneer Trading Post and flea markets.
Lawyer Thad Ackel Jr. feels the passage of this bill begins a slippery slope for economic freedom in the state.
“The government is placing a significant restriction on individuals transacting in their own private property,” says Ackel.
Pawn shops have been forced to keep records of their clients for years. However under this bill they are still allowed to deal in cash.
Representative Ricky Hardy is a Democrat. But you already knew that, didn’t you?
20. October 2011 at 5:50 am
Seriously? This sounds like a bill targeted at someone they don’t like and this will allow them to put them out of business… they certainly didn’t look at the ‘big picture’ for this one. That just sucks.
20. October 2011 at 6:12 am
So many people are stealing copper from air conditioning units that it’s costing insurance companies a LOT of money… not to mention people paying deductibles… so this is their lamebrain way to stop that? Unreal.
20. October 2011 at 6:32 am
Right. Cash is king. The average person will always take cash. Law or no law.
20. October 2011 at 6:41 am
Off the books. They’re unwittingly creating an environment I don’t think they want…
20. October 2011 at 8:15 am
Just.plain.stupid.
But then again you did say this was a Dem bill right? Yard sales? Jeeze.
Now, I never have cash so there is always a trail for me and I must say, these days with all the tracking done on purchases, it makes me more than a little nervous.
20. October 2011 at 9:00 am
I never carry cash, either… but have been wondering if I should…
20. October 2011 at 11:38 am
That $20 is missing Tim’s sig on it – no more selling your catch off the boat or docks – no more selling drugs – no more ice cream venders – no more hot dog stands – must I say more?
20. October 2011 at 11:41 am
21. October 2011 at 9:12 am
They’ll still sell drugs, those guys don’t give a crap what the law is -
21. October 2011 at 9:53 am
Oh, hell yeah.
And ME… ice cream isn’t second hand… nor are hot dogs…
20. October 2011 at 4:30 pm
That law will never stand up to a court test. All of the greenbacks are clearly printed “this note is legal tender for all debts, public or private”. There is no way a pissant state legislator can overrule the United States of America.
20. October 2011 at 5:16 pm
That is very good to hear! I don’t know what they’ll put up with and what they won’t these days…
20. October 2011 at 7:47 pm
Well that’s just dumb. Can you imagine a yard sale where you have to take money orders or checks that might bounce?
21. October 2011 at 9:53 am
There’s no way people will NOT take cash at yard sales! That’s ridiculous, isn’t it?
20. October 2011 at 9:36 pm
that does not matter, they need something to show what they can collect tax on – I wonder when they will stop us from paying tips in cash – everyone will need a debit card number on the forearm for the reader to scan -
21. October 2011 at 9:54 pm
Bobby Jindal is governor of Louisiana. I just can’t see him signing such a thing. And I think Peter is right about the cash is king thing.
22. October 2011 at 8:02 am
Yeah, how did this get past Jindal? Didn’t even think about that… been cleaning house for two days, can’t think about anything except allergies…!
22. October 2011 at 10:27 pm
Agreeing with Peter. I can’t imagine any legal basis for outlawing cash as payment.
I mean, the state will claim that they’re just regulating business record-keeping practices, and defining what does and does not qualify as a business, but since the effect of the law is that it makes some cash payments illegal… I don’t see this one standing up to a court challenge.
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. But I did play one during a year at law school :-)
23. October 2011 at 6:57 am
Law school! Harvey, what haven’t you done?
Damn good to see you.