The proposed bill, titled the "Restrictions on Self-Service Checkout Stations Act," introduces new regulations for grocery stores that utilize self-service checkout stations. It mandates that for every three self-service checkout stations, there must be at least one manual checkout station in operation, which must also comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, employees monitoring self-service checkout stations are required to be relieved of all other duties during their monitoring time, including operating a manual checkout station.
The bill allows for exemptions from these staffing requirements during off-peak hours, defined as the period before 8:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. local time, as well as during declared states of emergency or severe weather alerts, ensuring employee safety during such conditions.
The act establishes a framework for enforcement and penalties for violations. A first violation will result in a written warning, while subsequent violations can incur fines based on the wages of retail clerks, capped at $500 per day. Employees and consumers are granted the right to file complaints regarding violations without fear of retaliation, and non-compliance after a notice period can lead to further legal consequences. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.