South Dakota Schools' Cash Acceptance Bill Advances

Lawmakers in North Carolina and South Dakota are moving forward with legislation requiring schools to accept cash payments for admissions to sporting events. In North Carolina, House Bill 2 mandates cash acceptance at high school athletic events and allows senior citizens with a Tar Heel Card free admission. This follows a trend where many schools transitioned to cashless ticketing, which some argue limits access for those without digital payment options. Meanwhile, in South Dakota, House Bill 1017 narrowly passed a committee, with supporters citing discrimination against individuals without smartphones or credit cards. Opponents argue the bill could hinder local governance and inadvertently affect a range of school-related events. Both bills reflect growing concerns about accessibility and equity in school event attendance.