House approves bill to authorize gold, silver as legal tender

April 09, 2013

A Senate-passed bill that authorizes the use of gold and silver coins as legal tender has won the approval of the Arizona House. Flagstaff Republican Bob Thorpe says gold and silver coins would not be assigned a monetary value.

“The idea behind legal tender, what I like about it, is it’s only if an individual wants to use it as legal tender and it’s only whether a business wants to accept it,” Thorpe said.

But Phoenix Democratic Representative Debbie McCuen calls the measure flat-out confusing.

“I’ve not yet had a constituent ask me to promote that bill,” McCuen said. “What in the world is that about?”

The bill now returns to the senate for consideration of House changes.