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Committee hears testimony on optional cash-rounding bill as coin shortages grow
Summary
Witnesses from grocery, hospitality and credit-union sectors told the House Rules committee HB 4178 would let businesses adopt permissive rounding to the nearest 5¢ with consumer notice, responding to Pennies shortages; the Department of Revenue sought an amendment to cover state and local governments.
House Bill 4178 would allow places of public accommodation to adopt an optional rounding policy for in-person cash or mixed-tender transactions, rounding to the nearest 5¢ under specified rules and requiring consistent application and consumer notice.
Amanda Dalton (Northwest Grocery Retail Association) and Greg Astley (Oregon Restaurant Lodging Association) said the abrupt drop in penny availability has created operational challenges for grocers, restaurants and lodging, especially for small and rural operators. Dalton said states are acting because federal guidance has stalled and asked the committee to move quickly to provide clarity.
Pam Levitt (Oregon Credit Unions/Go West Credit Union Association) said declining penny inventories and coin-distribution consolidation disproportionately affect rural communities and that credit unions need clarity to manage cash services. She cited an internal figure during testimony of "150 to $250,000,000,000 pennies" in current circulation and urged consumer education and signage requirements.
Marjorie Taylor (Department of Revenue) said the agency is neutral and requested an amendment to allow state and local governments to adopt and publicly state approved rounding policies and to ensure consistent application across revenue streams.
Committee members asked about the bill's scope beyond retail goods; proponents said the definition of public accommodation would be used and that an amendment forthcoming would craft necessary agency flexibility. The hearing was closed and the bill will await committee work-session action.
