The proposed bill, titled the "Restrictions on Self-Service Checkout Stations Act," introduces a new chapter to Title 28 of the General Laws concerning labor and labor relations. This act applies to all grocery stores in the state that offer self-service checkout stations. It mandates that grocery stores with self-service checkout stations must maintain a minimum of one manual checkout station in operation for every three self-service checkout stations, with at least one manual checkout station compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Additionally, the act stipulates that an employee monitoring self-service checkout stations must be relieved of all other duties, including operating a manual checkout station. The Department of Labor and Training is granted the authority to promulgate rules, regulations, and penalties to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

The act establishes penalties for violations, including fines for multiple violations by the same grocery store, which will be equal to wages for one eight-hour shift based on the highest wage for hourly retail clerks for each day of violation, with a maximum fine of $1,000 per day. Employees may file complaints with the department without fear of retaliation, and any employee alleging retaliation may bring a cause of action in superior court. Consumers may also file complaints, and retaliation against them for filing such complaints is considered an unlawful act.

The act includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part, section, or provision is found unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. The act will take effect upon passage.