AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Sep 18, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 18, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- Requires the Department of Treasury to stop producing pennies for general circulation, though pennies remain legal tender and production for collectors continues.
- Mandates rounding of cash transactions, wage payments, and cash transfers to amounts divisible by five.
- Permits Treasury to discontinue minting other coins if specified procedures—including notice and Congressional briefing—are followed.
- Allows the nickel to be composed of alternative materials, including a zinc core clad with an outer nickel layer, in addition to the traditional copper-nickel alloy.
- Requires the Federal Reserve Board to periodically report on a strategic plan for penny acceptance at commercial coin terminals.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Pennies cease production for general use but maintain legal tender status; effects on commerce or inflation are not established in the official summary.
- Cash rounding rules apply uniformly to all persons in covered transactions; specific implementation details or compliance mechanisms are not documented.
- Treasury gains discretionary authority to discontinue other coins subject to procedural oversight; which coins may be affected is not specified.
- The nickel composition change is permissive rather than mandatory; practical or cost effects are not documented.
- The Federal Reserve reporting requirement does not establish whether penny circulation will increase, decrease, or remain stable.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Passed Senate with amendment by Unanimous Consent on August 7, 2026.
- Received in the House and held at the desk on August 10, 2026.
- No subsequent recorded action in the House as of the latest update.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Aug 10, 2026 — Held at the desk.
- Aug 10, 2026 — Received in the House.
- Aug 10, 2026 — Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Aug 7, 2026 — Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4586-4588)
- Aug 7, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- Aug 7, 2026 — Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4551)
- Aug 7, 2026 — Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- Aug 7, 2026 — Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.