The U.S. Congress, with the Senate passing the final vote, approved the Common Cents Act and sent the legislation to President Trump for his signature.
The legislation gives retailers the clear legal authority and protections they need to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel following the end of penny production in 2025.
In the time since, retailers nationwide have struggled with shortages of pennies for exact change. Without a uniform federal framework, businesses have faced growing uncertainty over how to handle cash payments while continuing to serve customers fairly and efficiently.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-09) and Rep. Robert Garcia (CA-42), establishes a national framework for allowing businesses to continue serving customers efficiently and fairly as pennies fall out of circulation.
The National Grocers Association (NGA) and the National Restaurant Association applauded the passage of the Common Cent Act.
“Independent grocers process millions of transactions every day, and the disappearance of the penny created a very practical problem at the checkout counter,” said Stephanie Johnson, NGA senior vice president and head of government affairs. “The Common Cents Act provides the clarity retailers need to handle cash transactions consistently and fairly. We appreciate the bipartisan leadership in the Senate to advance a commonsense solution that gives businesses clear rules and helps minimize confusion for consumers.”
“We appreciate Congress passing the Common Cents Act to address the issues restaurant operators have been working through since the penny shortage started,” said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “Now that penny production has come to an end, operators want to have confidence they are handling the transition in a way that works for their customers. The Common Cents Act provides clear principles and certainty, helping keep transactions simple and straightforward while allowing restaurants to focus on serving guests.”
Related Article: NGA Backs House Bill to Round Cash Without Pennies
Other supporters
Other main street business groups have urged Congress to pass this important legislation, like American Beverage Licensees, American Booksellers Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association, Coalition of Franchisee Associations, Energy Marketers of America, FMI – The Food Industry Association, International Franchise Association, Merchant Advisory Group, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Retail Federation, NATSO, Representing America’s Travel Centers and Truck Stops, OHI – Outdoor Hospitality Industry, Retail Industry Leaders Association, and SIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers.