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Panel approves uniform Swedish rounding rule for cash transactions
Summary
The committee adopted an amendment and returned House Bill 29‑38 with a do‑pass recommendation. The bill requires sellers to apply Swedish rounding to final cash transaction totals when pennies are not available and clarifies tax and fee calculations occur before rounding.
The House Commerce Committee on Tuesday voted to advance House Bill 29‑38, a measure that establishes a statewide standard for "Swedish rounding" — rounding the cash total of a transaction to the nearest 5 cents when pennies are not accepted or available.
Sponsor Representative Teresa Martinez told the committee the idea came after she experienced a cashier refusing to return pennies. "I placed my order for a sandwich that cost me $4.73. And the woman said, I'm going to keep your pennies," Martinez said, recounting why she pursued uniform rules. Committee witnesses, including Mackenzie Shane of the Greater Phoenix Chamber, supported the bill, saying the federal reduction in penny production has tightened circulation and created inconsistent business practices.
An amendment in the chairman's name clarifies that sales taxes and fees must be calculated from the unrounded sales price and that businesses following the rounding procedure are not in violation of other laws. The committee adopted the amendment and returned the bill with a unanimous do‑pass recommendation (roll call recorded 11 ayes, 0 nays).
Supporters argued the change provides clarity for businesses and consumers and avoids small discrepancies at the register; members noted county treasurers and businesses that handle large cash transactions (like agricultural property tax payments) welcomed uniformity.
With committee approval, the bill will proceed to further consideration in the legislative process.
