On Friday, February 28, a notice was published in the Federal Register brought by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). According to the notice, BEP desires to use a variety of new information collection activities as it explores ways to make paper currency accessible for blind and low-vision individuals. The mandate to make paper currency accessible is the result of a lawsuit brought by ACB numerous years ago and decided in 2008. According to policy, the BEP cannot employ new information collection practices without the approval of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). As a result, this notice is an information collection request from BEP to OMB in order to begin three new years of information collection. If OMB says no, the information collection cannot move forward. ACB is unclear what will happen if OMB says no, but has no reason at this time to believe that they will do so. To our knowledge, such a request is routine and should not cause any concern. At this time, ACB knows that the first accessible bill is on track to be released in 2026. The link to the notice is https://tinyurl.com/yjevsnt9 .
Posted on March 4th, 2025