HARRISBURG, PA — The House Commerce Committee has unanimously approved legislation designed to make cash an acceptable form of payment for admission to school-sponsored events. The bill, House Bill 685, was introduced by Representative Dan Moul (R-Adams) to address growing concerns over payment policies that exclude individuals unable or unwilling to use digital transactions.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Public School Code of 1949, requiring schools to offer cash as a payment option for tickets to activities and events. Currently, many schools only accept credit or debit cards, and some events, particularly those under the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), rely exclusively on online ticket sales through apps. These practices, Moul argues, have left many individuals unable to attend events.
“Currently, many schools across our Commonwealth are rejecting cash as a form of payment for school-sponsored activities and are instead requiring spectators to use credit or debit cards,” Moul said. “These policies have disenfranchised many seniors, poor people and children who may not have credit cards, smart phones or the technical capabilities to access the internet to purchase tickets.”
Moul expressed additional concerns about personal privacy, noting that online purchases often require users to provide sensitive information. “Ticket purchases via the internet or apps also require buyers to surrender a lot of personal information. This is particularly troublesome for senior citizens, a group often targeted by scams,” Moul said. He emphasized the need for inclusivity, adding, “People simply want to see their child, grandchild or friends play ball. My bill would permit anyone willing to pay with cash – the legal currency of the United States – to gain admission to a high school sporting event or activity. We should be encouraging the public to attend, not shutting them out.”
House Bill 685 will now proceed to the full House for consideration. If enacted, the legislation could set a precedent for greater accessibility and inclusiveness at school-sponsored activities across Pennsylvania.
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