Fuel Retailers Push for Passage of The Common Cents Act

The proposed legislation, spearheaded by Representatives Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Robert Garcia (D-CA), would grant retailers the legal authority to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel. This shift aims to eliminate the friction caused by a fragmented landscape of state and local laws, which currently forces businesses to navigate conflicting mandates when exact change is unavailable.

LeeAnn Goheen, Senior Director of Government Affairs for NATSO and SIGMA, highlighted that the absence of a uniform federal standard has left retailers vulnerable to regulatory scrutiny. The current lack of clarity complicates common transactions, including check cashing and food sales under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). By codifying rounding procedures, the act seeks to shield companies from potential violations when they adjust prices for customers paying with cash. Industry leaders are now urging the House to move quickly on the bill and are calling on the Senate to follow suit to provide much-needed certainty for the retail sector.