What happens to your cash purchases when pennies are gone? Michigan has an answer

A Michigan lawmaker has introduced Senate Bill 1014 to address the national penny shortage by requiring retailers to round down cash transactions to the nearest nickel after sales tax, ensuring consumers are not overcharged. The shortage follows a presidential order to halt penny production in 2025, with many existing pennies sitting unused in households and landfills. The bill aims to standardize how retailers handle cash payments, as current practices vary and lead to confusion. The rule would apply only to cash purchases and is currently under committee review in the Michigan Legislature.