New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08580

Introduced
11/14/25  
Refer
11/14/25  

Caption

Requires merchants to round cash purchases to the nearest five cent denomination in order to encourage the reduction of the circulation of pennies within New York state.

Impact

If enacted, S08580 would modify how businesses compute prices during cash transactions, which would ultimately influence state laws regarding currency handling and business operations. The rounding requirement would apply to cash payments only and would not affect transactions made through other means like credit cards or electronic payments. This change could impact small businesses and vendors, who may need to update their pricing strategies and cash management processes to comply with the new regulations.

Summary

Bill S08580, known as the 'New Yorkers for Common Cents Act', seeks to amend the general business law in New York to require merchants to round cash transactions to the nearest five-cent denomination. This legislative proposal aims to address the declining usage of pennies, which are less frequently accepted and often discarded by consumers. By mandating this rounding practice, the bill intends to streamline cash transactions and reduce the circulation of pennies within the state, potentially leading to increased efficiency in cash-based commerce.

Contention

Debate surrounding S08580 may arise from concerns about the practical implications of cash rounding on consumer behavior and business operations. Some opponents may argue that rounding could lead to confusion among consumers and could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who rely more on cash transactions. Proponents, however, may claim that the benefits of reducing penny usage and simplifying cash transactions outweigh any potential drawbacks. Additionally, there may be discussions on ensuring clarity and fairness in how the rounding is implemented to prevent consumer exploitation.

Companion Bills

NY A09274

Same As Requires merchants to round cash purchases to the nearest five cent denomination in order to encourage the reduction of the circulation of pennies within New York state.

Previously Filed As

NY A09274

Requires merchants to round cash purchases to the nearest five cent denomination in order to encourage the reduction of the circulation of pennies within New York state.

NY SB2680

Cash purchases; require merchants to round to the nearest five-cent denomination for.

NY HB2819

Modifies provisions relating to certain cash transactions requiring rounding to the nearest five cent denomination

NY A10207

Requires a collecting officer of taxes to accept payments of tax, including any interest due thereon, rounded to the nearest five cent denomination for taxpayers seeking to pay therefor with legal tender.

NY SB365

Legal tender; authorizing the rounding of in-person cash transactions to the nearest five cents

NY HB545

Legal tender; authorizing the rounding of in-person cash transactions to the nearest five cents

NY S06850

Establishes a state university of New York career pilot program to encourage individuals in college to enter the financial planning industry; utilizes campus resources to encourage a well-rounded program and diverse student involvement.

NY A09606

Enacts the New York state food security purchase and processing act to establish a state-level program that purchases food grown or raised by New York farmers; requires processing within New York State; distributes such food to communities in need.

NY S08868

Enacts the New York state food security purchase and processing act to establish a state-level program that purchases food grown or raised by New York farmers; requires processing within New York State; distributes such food to communities in need.

NY SB2847

Final amounts owed to state or political subdivisions; require to be rounded to nearest 5ยข.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.