The bill addresses concerns about the increasing use of self-service checkouts in grocery stores and their impact on social connection, employment, and security. The General Assembly finds that self-service checkouts contribute to social isolation, particularly among the elderly, increase the risk of shoplifting and personal information theft, and reduce the need for full-time employees, thereby affecting retail workers' wages and benefits. It is also noted that the shift towards self-service checkouts disproportionately affects people of color, who are overrepresented in cashier positions.

To address these issues, the bill proposes amendments to Title 6 of the General Laws by adding a new chapter that includes several key provisions. It defines terms such as "grocery store," "manual checkout station," "retail sale," and "self-service checkout." The bill limits the number of self-service checkout stations to six per grocery store location and requires an equal number of manual checkout stations. The Consumer Protection Unit of the Department of Attorney General is tasked with enforcing these restrictions, including implementing a penalty matrix for violations and protecting employees and consumers from retaliation when filing complaints. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.