The bill aims to regulate the use of self-service checkout stations in grocery establishments in Washington State. It introduces new definitions, including "Department" referring to the department of labor and industries, and outlines the conditions under which grocery establishments can offer self-service checkouts. Specifically, it mandates that at least one manual checkout station must be available, limits the number of items a customer can purchase at a self-service station to 15, and requires that no more than two self-service stations can be monitored by a single employee. Additionally, grocery establishments must include self-service checkouts in their workplace hazard analyses.

The bill also establishes penalties for violations, allowing employees to file complaints with the department, which will investigate and enforce compliance. Employers found in violation may face civil penalties of $100 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000. Furthermore, it allows aggrieved employees or their representatives to take legal action for violations, with provisions for hiring and reinstatement rights, back pay, and attorney fees. Notably, the bill exempts grocery establishments located in designated food deserts from these regulations, provided certain conditions are met.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 49.85.015, 49.85.045, 49.85.050