Posted on 10/20/2011 6:20:02 PM PDT by RobertClark
Cold hard cash. It's good everywhere you go, right? You can use it to pay for anything.
But that's not the case here in Louisiana now. It's a law that was passed during this year's busy legislative session.
House bill 195 basically says those who buy and sell second hand goods cannot use cash to make those transactions, and it flew so far under the radar most businesses don't even know about it.
"We're gonna lose a lot of business," says Danny Guidry, who owns the Pioneer Trading Post in Lafayette. He deals in buying and selling unique second hand items.
"We don't want this cash transaction to be taken away from us. It's an everyday transaction," Guidry explains.
Guidry says, "I think everyone in this business once they find out about it. They're will definitely be a lot of uproar."
The law states those who buy or sell second hand goods are prohibited from using cash. State representative Rickey Hardy co-authored the bill.
Hardy says, "they give a check or a cashiers money order, or electronic one of those three mechanisms is used."
Hardy says the bill is targeted at criminals who steal anything from copper to televisions, and sell them for a quick buck. Having a paper trail will make it easier for law enforcement.
"It's a mechanism to be used so the police department has something to go on and have a lead," explains Hardy.
Guidry feels his store shouldn't have to change it's ways of doing business, because he may possibly buy or sell stolen goods. Something he says has happened once in his eight years.
"We are being targeted for something we shouldn't be."
Besides non-profit resellers like Goodwill, and garage sales, the language of the bill encompasses stores like the Pioneer Trading Post and flea markets.
Lawyer Thad Ackel Jr. feels the passage of this bill begins a slippery slope for economic freedom in the state.
"The government is placing a significant restriction on individuals transacting in their own private property," says Ackel.
Pawn shops have been forced to keep records of their clients for years. However under this bill they are still allowed to deal in cash.
Bookmark
“Good Intentions” do not counteract stupid.
For crying out loud, you can get a money order in any name and pay for it with cash. You can make a check out to cash.
You can fix ignorant, but there’s little you can do about stupid.
This is such a blatant act of foolish feelgoodism, that Huey Long might want to get up and dance on his own grave.
This law likely violates federal statutes that federal reserve notes are legal tender!
This is just hitting the fan. I have a feeling that it will get nasty.
This “law” will be ignored.
barter rocks
Yeah, at some point you just have to say “f*ck you”
Jindal shows his statist colors. Will never support him for anything. Glad we found out before it was too late.
They shouldnt be asking for ID period unless it is firearms. I should be able to pay cash if I want and stay off the frickin grid. Its just a way for the IRS to get its claws into our lives and take what isn’t theirs to begin with.
Think Gamestop selling used games. Electronic Arts doesnt like it because they lose money so they limit game installations to only three machines, which are enabled online only. The honest, paying gamer gets screwed while pirates enjoy a hassle-free game on as many pc’s as they want.
Bottom line: The IRS (and this law) are the bad guys.
Posted yesterday.
All the second hand stores have to do is sell new voucher tickets or set up lines of credit the people can pay with in cash, and there’s no problem.
If you’re getting Okra, or any food, second hand, then you aren’t eating well.
It would appear you can no longer do that.
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