HB 545 Alabama House · 2026 Regular Session

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

This bill allows cash transactions in Alabama to be rounded to the nearest five cents, affecting businesses and consumers who use physical currency for purchases. The rounding follows specific rules based on the final digit of the transaction amount, with no changes to sales prices, taxes, or fees. It applies only to in-person cash payments and excludes electronic payments, checks, and transactions with government entities. The Department of Revenue must post a notice on its website about this new authorization, which takes effect immediately upon passage.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Mar 3, 2026 Signed Apr 17, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed → Enrolled · 3 edits · Apr 17, 2026

MINOR

The bill was finalized for signature (Enrolled) after passing both legislative chambers. The most significant substantive change occurred in Section 1(b), which was expanded to explicitly state that the rounding rules do not alter sales tax collection or any surcharges, assessments, or fees imposed on sales. This clarification ensures businesses know the rounding rules apply to the total transaction amount, including taxes and fees, without reducing the tax owed. The bill also retains exemptions for non-cash transactions and payments to government entities.

Scope change

The scope of the rounding exemption was clarified to explicitly include sales taxes, surcharges, assessments, and fees, ensuring these amounts are not reduced by the rounding methodology.

REQUIREMENT

Section 1(b) was expanded to explicitly state that the rounding rules do not alter the amount of sales tax collected or any surcharges, assessments, or fees imposed on the sale.

TECHNICAL

The bill status changed from 'Engrossed' to 'Enrolled', indicating it has passed both the House and Senate and is ready for the Governor's signature.

The internal bill identifier was updated from MS3I61H-2 to MS3I61H-3, reflecting the final version number.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 7, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass - Adopted Roll Call 1179

upper

Apr 7, 2026

Upper · Passed

Hovey motion to Table - Adopted Roll Call 1178

upper

Apr 7, 2026

Introduced

Figures 1st Amendment Offered

upper

Apr 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (Banking and Insurance)

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1019

lower

Mar 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1018

lower

Mar 19, 2026

Introduced

Financial Services Engrossed Substitute Offered (Financial Services)

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin (Financial Services)

lower

Mar 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Financial Services)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors