The National Grocers Association (NGA) commended the U.S. House of Representatives for passing legislation that provides retailers with legal authority to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel given the end of penny production in 2025.
The aptly named Common Cents Act (H.R. 3074), sponsored by Reps. Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Robert Garcia (D-CA), establish a national framework for allowing businesses to continue serving customers efficiently as pennies fall out of circulation.
Last year, the U.S. Mint ceased penny production, and Federal Reserve coin distribution sites across the country reported widespread shortages. As a result, many retailers have not been able to provide exact change for cash transactions. This has forced businesses to implement rounding practices without clear legal protections.
“Independent grocers serve millions of customers across the country every day, and the rapid disappearance of pennies created serious operational challenges and legal uncertainty for retailers of all sizes,” Stephanie Johnson, NGA SVP and head of government affairs, said. “The Common Cents Act provides the clarity businesses need to continue conducting cash transactions fairly, consistently, and without disruption for consumers.”
The NGA is a trade association representing the independent supermarket industry.
This bill is also supported by the American Bankers Association (ABA).
On behalf of the American Bankers Association (ABA), I am writing to express our strong support for H.R. 3074, the Common Cents Act, led by Reps. Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Robert Garcia (D-CA).
“This important commonsense legislation would provide a clear and practical framework for cash rounding when exact change cannot be provided, while clarifying that checks, electronic fund transfers, credit cards, gift cards, money orders, and similar non-cash payment methods are not subject to rounding. This approach would help consumers, businesses, and financial institutions adapt with minimal disruption. Having all parties operate under one set of rules would benefit the entire marketplace,” ABA officials wrote in a letter to Congressional leaders.