Bill
H 5138
Massachusetts establishes consumer protections against exploitation during low-value coin/currency scarcity, preventing unfair pricing and payment discrimination when legal tender becomes difficult to obtain.
H 5138 addresses consumer protections related to the scarcity and circulation of low-value coins and currency in Massachusetts. The bill establishes regulatory frameworks to prevent exploitation when certain denominations become scarce or difficult to obtain in everyday commerce. It aims to protect consumers from unfair pricing practices or forced acceptance of substitute payment methods when traditional low-value legal tender is unavailable.
As coin shortages have periodically affected U.S. commerce—particularly following the 2020 pandemic—consumers and businesses have faced disruptions in making exact change and conducting small transactions. This bill addresses a real market gap where scarcity can be exploited through inflated prices for rolls of coins, restricted access, or discriminatory payment policies. It establishes Massachusetts-specific protections that could serve as a model for other states facing similar currency circulation challenges.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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