​Weekly Update: Momentum Builds for Financial Freedom

On March 19, Utah's  Governor signed SB 0298, Solari's model legislation on programmable money, into law. This legislation represents one of the strongest state-level efforts to date to address the risks of programmable money. The law prohibits requiring the use of programmable money; blocks financial discrimination based on political views, religious beliefs, medical status, or lawful activities; and restricts the use of ESG-style scoring or social credit–type systems in financial transactions. This is a major milestone, as Utah has moved beyond simply rejecting central bank digital currencies and has begun putting enforceable guardrails in place to address the programmable features of digital money itself. You can view the bill here: https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0298.html

In New York, a statewide law requiring retail stores and food establishments to accept cash payments has now gone into effect. Under this law, businesses may not refuse cash for in-person transactions, consumers cannot be forced into digital payment methods, and stores are prohibited from charging higher prices to customers who choose to pay with cash. Violations are subject to financial penalties.  More information is available here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-notifies-new-yorkers-about-new-state-law-requiring-stores

In Michigan, House Bill 5340, which would require all state agencies to accept cash payments, has passed the House and is now moving to the Senate. The bill would ensure that residents can continue to use physical currency when interacting with state government, preserving access to essential services for those who rely on cash and preventing exclusion tied to digital-only payment systems. The bill passed the House with a strong bipartisan vote, signaling growing recognition of the importance of maintaining cash as a foundational component of the financial system. The bill can be viewed here: https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-5340

March Legislative Briefing: "A Legislator's Guide to Programmable Money - Part Two"

Our March 26 briefing will serve as a follow-up to the in-depth discussion of the Solari model legislation, The Consumer Payment Rights and Transparency Act, presented during our February briefing with David Liechty.

David Liechty will also host the March session, with Elizabeth Murphy, Carolyn Betts and Catherine Austin Fitts joining the discussion. The briefing will provide an update on the current status of state legislation related to programmable money, discuss lessons learned during the legislative process, and address several questions that were raised during the February briefing in greater depth.
David Liechty is a banking compliance and intellectual property attorney with more than twenty years of experience advising private clients, U.S. banks, and U.S. branches of foreign financial institutions on intellectual property matters, banking regulatory compliance, financial crime risk, and governance. 

Please join us for this important briefing by registering here: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YX5NwfEWSy277YU3lxocZg#/registration 

In freedom, 

The Solari Team