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At the Solari Report, we have long championed the use of cash—and for good reason.
Cash is secure. It’s private. It doesn’t require a bank account, a phone, or an Internet connection. It protects against fraud, preserves financial autonomy, and ensures that every person—regardless of age, income, or technological access—can participate fully in the economy.
That’s why, during the 2025 legislative session, Solari worked with lawmakers in Tennessee to introduce a bill (HB668) that would have required brick-and-mortar businesses with six or more employees to accept cash. The bill was simple and straightforward: protect Tennesseans’ right to use legal tender and preserve consumer choice.
Due to pushback from certain businesses and large event venues—including professional sports teams—we have chosen to pause the legislation until next year. This gives us time over the summer to engage in conversation, address concerns, and ensure that everyone is comfortable with the concept before moving forward again in 2026.
According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) 2023 National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households, 5.7% of households in Tennessee are unbanked, meaning they do not use banks or banking institutions in any capacity. For those families, cash isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Cash is more than just a form of payment—it’s a public utility. It’s a safeguard when digital systems fail during natural disasters, power outages, or cyberattacks. It’s also a firewall against surveillance, offering the last remaining space for private financial activity in an increasingly monitored world.
We’ve already seen what a cashless system could look like. In Canada, peaceful protesters had their bank accounts frozen with no due process. An all-digital system not only makes this kind of control possible but normalizes life without cash.
If you’re a Tennessee resident, now is the time to get involved. We encourage you to reach out to your state legislators and request a meeting to discuss the urgent need to protect cash and support this bill when it returns next session.
If this is something you’re interested in and you would like guidance on how to contact and meet with your legislators, please contact Elizabeth@Solari.com. She’ll be happy to offer tips—and if her schedule allows, she may even join you for the meeting.
We’ve also created a practical guide: Working Successfully with State Leaders Who Will Take Responsibility. It walks you through how to engage effectively with your representatives and make your voice heard.
In freedom,
The Solari Team |
