Say goodbye to the penny—but what happens to your change? With the U.S. penny officially phased out since late 2025, a new challenge has emerged: how do businesses handle cash transactions without that once-ubiquitous coin? But here’s where it gets controversial: one Washington lawmaker is proposing a solution that could change how you pay for your morning coffee—and not everyone is on board.
Representative April Berg (D-Mill Creek) has introduced House Bill 2334, aiming to bring clarity to cash transactions in the state. The federal government has yet to provide guidance on how to handle rounding without pennies, leaving businesses in a tricky spot. And this is the part most people miss: without clear rules, cash-only businesses risk confusion, errors, and frustrated customers. Berg’s bill proposes a straightforward solution: asymmetrical rounding to the nearest nickel.
Here’s how it would work: totals ending in 1 or 2 cents would round down to 0, while those ending in 3, 4, 6, or 7 cents would round to 5. Totals ending in 8 or 9 cents would round up to 10. Berg argues this approach is fair for both consumers and businesses, ensuring no one feels shortchanged. Electronic payments, like credit or debit cards, would remain unaffected.
But is this the right move? Some argue that rounding could unfairly benefit businesses or penalize consumers over time. Berg counters that the bill also directs state departments to issue clear rules for mixed transactions (cash combined with other payment methods), ensuring consistency for business owners. Here’s the kicker: the bill hits the Capitol floor in Olympia on January 12, 2026, as part of the new legislative session—and it’s already sparking debate.
“By codifying rounding in state law, we can prevent confusion, reduce small transaction errors, and help businesses transition smoothly,” Berg said. But the question remains: is this a fair solution, or does it open the door to unintended consequences? What do you think? Should rounding rules be standardized, or should businesses handle it on their own? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
