NGA Supports Senate Passage of Common Cents Act

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: National Grocers Association
Published: August 8, 2026
Source: Read at National Grocers Association
Category: Food Access Policy

The Senate passed the bipartisan Common Cents Act, sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. The bill would give retailers legal authority and protections to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel after penny production ends in 2025. It would create a national framework for cash rounding as penny shortages have made exact change difficult for many retailers.

Why this matters: Independent grocers could have clearer rules for handling cash transactions and less legal uncertainty if the bill becomes law. A consistent rounding framework could also reduce problems caused by penny shortages.

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