Legislation would establish clear rules for rounding to the nearest five cents to deliver much-needed stability and predictability to franchise small business owners and consumers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of this week’s expected vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on the Common Cents Act (H.R. 3074), the International Franchise Association (IFA) today issued the following statement endorsing the bipartisan legislation:

“IFA supports the Common Cents Act. The decision to cease minting the penny was understandable, but now the small business community needs clarity on how to navigate the ensuing marketplace,” said Michael Layman, IFA Chief Advocacy Officer. “Franchise business owners need certainty around everyday transactions, especially in cash-based operations where the penny shortage has created confusion for business owners and customers alike. By establishing clear rounding rules to the nearest five cents, this legislation delivers the stability and predictability that franchise small business owners need to focus on growth, job creation and customer service.”

The Common Cents Act codifies the U.S. Treasury Department’s November 2025 decision to stop producing pennies and establishes formal rounding rules for cash transactions. Without the federal legislation, transactions are currently governed in a patchwork state-by-state system rather than a uniform national standard.

IFA sent a letter of support on the legislation here.

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About the International Franchise Association:

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 832,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $907.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.