The proposed bill aims to address the social and economic impacts of self-service checkouts in grocery stores, particularly on vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals with disabilities. It introduces a new chapter, CHAPTER 61, to Title 6 of the General Laws, which defines key terms related to grocery stores and checkout systems. The bill restricts grocery stores to a maximum of six self-service checkout stations at any one time and mandates that for every self-service station, there must be at least one manual checkout station available to assist customers. This is intended to enhance customer service and reduce the potential for social isolation caused by the increasing reliance on automated checkouts.

Additionally, the bill outlines enforcement mechanisms, granting the consumer protection unit of the Department of Attorney General the authority to implement and enforce these regulations. It establishes fines for violations, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses, and allows both consumers and employees to file complaints without fear of retaliation. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining human interaction in grocery shopping to foster community connections and protect the rights of retail workers, particularly those in lower-paid positions. The act will take effect upon passage.