A proposed California bill could lead to significant changes in how stores manage self-checkout lanes, potentially even causing some stores to discontinue the service altogether.
The bill, known officially as SB 1446, lays out conditions that grocery or retail drug stores must meet to offer self-checkout options. These conditions include limitations on the number of items that can be purchased through self-service checkouts, the requirement for at least one manned checkout station, restrictions on certain item purchases, and rules regarding employee supervision of self-checkout lanes.
Additionally, the bill, introduced by Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, D-Los Angeles, mandates that stores planning to implement new technology affecting or reducing employee job duties must conduct a study beforehand. This study must be shared with employees and their representatives before implementation.
While the bill has garnered support from labor unions, it faces opposition from business groups like the California Chamber of Commerce. The opposition argues that the proposed restrictions are unnecessary and could hinder the adoption of autonomous retail technologies without effectively addressing issues like retail theft.
This debate comes at a time when many cities in California are grappling with rampant thefts from grocery stores and pharmacies. Recently, authorities arrested eight suspects in Los Angeles County after discovering millions of dollars worth of stolen merchandise from various stores.
