A bill that would require public colleges and universities to accept cash at events, including sporting events, is currently moving forward in the Louisiana Legislature. The House Education Committee recently advanced House Bill 5 by Rep. Charles Owen, R-Rosepine, with an 11-2 vote.
Over the past few years, many college sporting venues have transitioned to cashless payment systems, causing inconvenience to some attendees who rely on cash in their daily lives. Representative Owen emphasized the importance of allowing families to purchase necessities like water, food, and merchandise with cash at big events where they may have saved up money to attend.
However, some universities have expressed concerns about the bill. Lobbyist Lenny Kopowski representing the University of New Orleans Foundation stated that UNO opposes the bill due to security issues. UNO athletics previously switched to cashless facilities after experiencing a theft of $3,600 from the athletic department. They suggested that concession stands could accept cash or utilize reverse ATMs to address security concerns.
LSU provided feedback in a fiscal note stating that Owen’s bill could result in a $75,000 annual loss for third-party game day vendors and potentially slow down concession lines. The bill is set to be further discussed by the full House of Representatives before any final decisions are made.
Despite these concerns, some proponents argue that accepting cash at events can lead to longer lines and increased costs for vendors and customers alike. They believe that implementing a cashless system can improve efficiency and convenience for both parties.
As debates continue over this controversial issue, it remains unclear whether this bill will ultimately become law or not. However, one thing is certain – the future of cashless concession stands at college football stadiums remains uncertain as this bill moves forward in the legislative process.
In conclusion, it’s important for public colleges and universities to weigh the pros and cons of implementing a cashless payment system versus maintaining a traditional system that allows attendees to use cash at events. Ultimately, only time will tell how this issue will play out in Louisiana’s legislative process.
