State legislators in Indiana and North Carolina introduced bills within the past two weeks that would require high schools to accept cash at extracurricular activities in their respective states.
As reported by the Parke County Post last Friday, Indiana state representative Cory Criswell authored legislation to ensure greater accessibility at school extracurricular activities or events, including athletic events, by requiring that a cash payment option be available to attendees starting in July 2025.
State legislators in Indiana and North Carolina introduced bills within the past two weeks that would require high schools to accept cash at extracurricular activities in their respective states.
As reported by the Parke County Post last Friday, Indiana state representative Cory Criswell authored legislation to ensure greater accessibility at school extracurricular activities or events, including athletic events, by requiring that a cash payment option be available to attendees starting in July 2025.
"I've attended many of our school athletic events, and I know firsthand how important it is for families to have convenient and accessible ways to participate," Criswell said. "This legislation ensures that everyone, regardless of their payment preference, can enjoy the games and support our students."
Meanwhile, CBS affiliate WNCN in Goldsboro, N.C., reported Wednesday that A. Reece Pyrtle Jr. filed House Bill 2 establishing two new rules for high school interscholastic athletic events.
The first stipulates that “cash shall be accepted as a form of payment for admissions” whenever attendees are charged for tickets. The second states that “an individual issued a Tar Heel Card for senior citizens by the Department of Health and Human Services” can be admitted to any high school athletic event for free.
A similar bill made its way through the N.C. General Assembly last year, but ultimately fell through after the House did not concur with the Senate’s changes.
The bill does not prevent schools from using digital ticketing systems that gained favor during the COVID-19 pandemic, but requires them to accept cash as an available option. This regulation would apply to all public schools governed by the State Board of Education, including members of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. However, these policies will not affect non-athletic events, such as concerts or plays.
If the bill is passed, these rules would go into effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year.
According to a study by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, cited by the Parke County Post, school districts are increasingly shifting to cashless operations. Indiana's House Bill 1064 would require school corporations to provide a cash payment option at all extracurricular activities and events where an admission fee is charged, starting July 1. The bill aims to remove barriers for individuals who prefer or need to pay with cash instead of digital methods, particularly in rural areas where access to electronic payment systems may be limited.
"This bill is about ensuring equal access and convenience for all attendees at school events, no matter their preferred method of payment," Criswell said. "We want every Hoosier to feel welcomed at our schools’ athletic events without unnecessary complications."
