Legislation that would allow cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five cents is moving forward in the Washington Legislature as policymakers respond to the declining use of the one-cent coin.
HB 2334 and SB 6230 would require cash purchases to be rounded up or down to the nearest nickel after all taxes and fees are applied. Credit cards, debit cards, and online transactions would not be affected. The approach mirrors policies adopted in Canada and by some federal agencies and private businesses and is intended to provide clarity as exact change becomes harder to maintain.
As of early February, SB 6230 has been approved by the Senate Business Committee and remains active in the legislative process. HB 2334 is under consideration in the House. If ultimately enacted, the change would take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.
Supporters say the policy would create consistency for retailers and customers while reflecting current payment practices. During committee testimony, bill sponsor Sen. Noel Frame noted that the penny has become less relevant in everyday commerce and said the proposal would establish predictable rules for businesses.
Business groups expressed general support while requesting specific safeguards. Amber Carter, speaking on behalf of WR, told lawmakers the association supports the legislation but emphasized the importance of legal clarity for retailers. “We have seen claims issued for smaller things,” Carter said. “So we really want to make that protective advance now rather than dealing with it later.”
Other industry representatives noted that many retailers already round cash totals due to coin shortages but have sought clear state guidance. Questions raised during testimony included how rounding would apply to food assistance transactions and whether customers with exact change could still pay without rounding.
Lawmakers are expected to continue discussions on HB 2334 and SB 6230 as both bills move through the remaining steps of the legislative process.
