Kings County to Stop Providing Pennies for Cash Transactions

Other California counties consider rounding or pushing electronic payments as U.S. Mint halts penny production

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Kings County in California will no longer provide pennies for cash transactions starting March 1, 2026, due to the U.S. Mint's decision to halt penny production. The county's local bank is no longer supplying pennies, so cash payments will require exact change. Neighboring Fresno County is still using pennies, but a proposed state bill could allow counties to round cash payments to the nearest nickel. Tulare County is also adjusting to the penny shortage, recommending departments incorporate rounding practices and increase electronic payments.

Why it matters

The nationwide penny shortage is forcing counties to adapt their cash handling procedures, with some considering rounding to the nearest nickel or pushing electronic payments to minimize the need for coin change. This shift highlights the broader economic implications of the U.S. Mint's decision to stop producing pennies and the challenges local governments face in providing accurate change to residents.

The details

Kings County will no longer provide pennies for cash transactions at the Tax Collector, Community Development Agency, Public Works and Kings County Probation departments. Current property tax bills will require exact cash payment, though online, telephone, check, debit/credit card, and money order payments will not be affected. Fresno County is still using pennies, but a proposed state bill could allow counties to round cash payments to the nearest nickel in the future. Tulare County is also adjusting to the penny shortage, recommending departments incorporate rounding practices and increase electronic payments.

  • Kings County's new policy takes effect on March 1, 2026.
  • The U.S. Mint officially stopped production of new pennies on November 12, 2025.
  • California Senate Bill 1005 (SB 1005) was introduced on February 9, 2026, for the 2025–2026 session.

The players

Kings County

A county in California that will no longer provide pennies for cash transactions starting March 1, 2026.

Fresno County

A neighboring county in California that is still using pennies for cash transactions, but is considering rounding to the nearest nickel in the future.

Tulare County

A county in California that is adjusting to the penny shortage by recommending departments incorporate rounding practices and increase electronic payments.

California Senate Bill 1005 (SB 1005)

A proposed state bill that would allow California counties to round cash payments to the nearest nickel.

United States Mint

The federal agency that officially stopped production of new pennies on November 12, 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The proposed California Senate Bill 1005 (SB 1005) will be considered by the state legislature in the 2025-2026 session, which could allow counties to round cash payments to the nearest nickel in the future.

The takeaway

The nationwide penny shortage is forcing local governments to adapt their cash handling procedures, with some counties considering rounding to the nearest nickel or pushing electronic payments to minimize the need for coin change. This shift highlights the broader economic implications of the U.S. Mint's decision to stop producing pennies and the challenges counties face in providing accurate change to residents.