Gavel and Money
The federal government stopped producing pennies for general circulation before Congress had a framework for businesses to operate without them. The Common Cents Act seeks to provide some clarity and has now passed both chambers of Congress in substantially matching forms. The House passed H.R. 3074 on July 14, 2026. On August 7, the Senate passed S. 1525 after adopting a substitute amendment that brought it substantially into alignment with the House-passed bill.
The bill could eventually provide retailers legal cover to round cash transactions to the nearest five cents when exact change cannot be provided. Transaction totals for electronic and card payments would remain unchanged. Because the House and Senate passed separate legislative vehicles, an identical bill must still clear both chambers before it can be sent to the president.
Even as the legislation advances, the lack of a uniform national framework has left states with the burden of stepping in to provide their own rules and guidance. Meanwhile, retailers must contend with penny shortages, varying state policies, compliance concerns and operational challenges.
The Policy Landscape For The Penny Phaseout Is Far From Mint Condition
