A new law in Pennsylvania now requires school districts and venues hosting interscholastic athletics or activities to accept cash as a form of payment at the gate. The change addresses concerns from families who found themselves unable to purchase tickets for school events due to cashless-only policies.
State Rep. Jill N. Cooper (R-Export) expressed her support for House Bill 685, which was included in the state’s Education Code update in 2025. “That’s exactly why I wholeheartedly supported House Bill 685, which requires school districts and venues hosting interscholastic athletics or activities to accept cash as a form of payment at the gate. It’s a simple, commonsense solution to a problem that had been frustrating families across the Commonwealth, and I’m thrilled it became law as part of the state’s Education Code update in 2025. Now, no one must worry about being turned away for lacking the right app or digital setup,” said Cooper.
The move comes after reports that more than 1,200 public and private high schools in Pennsylvania had shifted to cashless payments for events such as athletics, social gatherings, field trips, and performing arts shows. Many schools required attendees to use credit or debit cards or make online purchases through websites or mobile applications.
Cooper noted that while electronic payments can be convenient and help organizers plan for attendance, not all students and families have access to smartphones or prefer digital transactions. She stated: “Not everyone uses a smartphone and some simply prefer to pay cash, which is legal tender for a reason, and schools should accept the nation’s own currency. If a sign reads ‘$7 admission,’ a $10 bill should be good enough.”
She added: “I can’t imagine excluding a grandparent from attending their granddaughter’s soccer game because they don’t trust online transactions, or a middle school student attending their first dance because her parents only had the money to give her a few hours prior to the event.”
The new law does not prohibit schools from accepting electronic payments but ensures that cash remains an option.
In addition to this legislative update, Cooper reminded residents about other programs available in Pennsylvania:
Older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities have until December 31 to apply for the state’s 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Income limits were increased this year due to adjustments based on annual increases in the Consumer Price Index following legislation passed in 2023. The maximum rebate is $1,000; applicants should exclude half of their Social Security income when determining eligibility.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is also open for applications through April 2026. LIHEAP provides federally funded grants for home heating bills and crisis situations related to heating needs. Eligibility depends on household size and income level; for example, an individual must have an annual income below $23,475 while a family of four must be under $48,225.
Residents seeking assistance with these programs can contact Rep. Cooper’s offices in Washington Township/Export or New Kensington.
