Illinois Enacts Laws on Cash Payments and Jury Duty Pay
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Illinois Enacts Laws on Cash Payments and Jury Duty Pay
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker recently signed legislation requiring most in-person businesses to accept cash for purchases under $500, with the law taking effect in 2028.
- Additionally, a new law, House Bill 4844, mandates that employers with over 25 employees must provide full pay for workers serving jury duty, a requirement that began immediately upon its signing on July 31, 2026.
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed 87 new laws on Friday, August 3, 2026, including measures affecting consumer payments and employee compensation for civic duties.
One significant new law, House Bill 4592, will require most in-person businesses in Illinois to accept cash for purchases under $500. This requirement is set to begin in 2028. Exceptions to this rule include self-checkout machines, overnight sales, situations where a business runs out of cash, membership-only businesses, and phone or internet purchases. Businesses are not obligated to accept bills larger than $20. Senator Christopher Belt, a proponent of the measure, stated that cash remains a dependable and necessary payment method for many Illinois residents, ensuring people have the freedom to choose how they pay.
Another immediate change comes from House Bill 4844, which mandates that employers with more than 25 employees must pay their workers their full rate of pay while they are serving on jury duty. This law took effect immediately upon its signing on July 31, 2026. Previously, Illinois law protected employees from retaliation for jury service but did not require employers to provide compensation. This amendment transforms jury service from a job-protected leave into a paid leave requirement for covered employers. Employers with 25 or fewer employees are exempt from this new requirement.
These new laws are part of a broader package of legislation signed by Governor Pritzker, addressing various aspects of daily life and work in Illinois.