Senate Bill 2001, known as "The Tennessee Safe Stores and Staffed Stores Act," aims to regulate the use of self-service checkout stations in drug and food retail establishments. The bill introduces several requirements for these establishments, including the provision of at least one staffed checkout station for every four self-service stations, limits on self-service purchases to a maximum of fifteen items, and restrictions on purchasing items that require identification or have special theft-deterrent measures. Additionally, establishments must ensure that self-service checkout stations are monitored by an employee at all times and that signage is posted to inform customers of their rights.

The bill also establishes civil penalties for violations, allowing customers or employees to bring legal action against establishments that do not comply with the new regulations. If successful, plaintiffs may receive penalties of up to $100 per employee for each violation, with additional daily penalties for ongoing infractions. Furthermore, the bill prohibits retaliation against employees who seek to enforce their rights under this act. The provisions of the act are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.