Retail giants sway vote

idea in May, according to reports. Walmart did not return a request for comment.

“If we legislate against it, then that affects their current business,” Ms. Pou said of cashless retailers after the hearing. “I want to be mindful of how we do something that addresses both sides.”

New Jersey Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, DGloucester, who introduced the cashless business ban bill, said there are social and privacy issues with retailers refusing to accept cash.

“I think U.S. currency should be accepted at retail establishments,” Mr. Moriarty said. “Even if the number of people using cash dwindles significantly, they should allow for cash for these people who are marginalized — the elderly, the youth, and people that are poor. They need to buy stuff too.”

He added that consumers are increasingly aware that retailers and tech companies are tracking their movements and spending habits, so they may prefer the privacy that comes with cash.

His bill would require all brick-and-mortar retailers in the state to accept cash, excluding transactions made online, by telephone, or by mail. Businesses could receive a $2,500 fine for a first offense and $5,000 for a second violation. Subsequent offenses would be considered unlawful practices under the consumer fraud act, which can levy penalties of up to $20,000.

The use of paper bills has declined in recent years. In October 2016, 31 percent of payments were made with cash, compared to 40 percent in 2012, according to surveys by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, though the Fed cautioned that it modified its methodology during that time. Twenty-seven percent of payments were with debit cards and 18 percent were made through credit cards in October 2016, the most recent data available.