The Overview
If you shop at a grocery store in Rhode Island, the store must now keep at least one staffed cashier lane open for every three self-checkout lanes it operates. Rhode Island's Restrictions on Self-Service Checkout Stations Act, HB 7290, became law when Gov. Dan McKee (D) signed it June 18, making Rhode Island the first state in the country to limit grocery store self-checkout lanes. The Associated Press reported faulty technology and theft concerns with self-checkout, and NBC News reported in 2024 that some major retailers were scaling back the machines.
What the Law Does
The law requires grocery stores to keep one staffed cashier lane for every three self-checkout lanes and places limits on the workload of employees assigned to monitor those stations.
Legislative Status
Rep. Megan Cotter (D) sponsored the bill, along with nine other sponsors, including Donovan, Kislak, Ajello and Potter. The House passed it 60 to 11 on June 10. The Senate passed it June 11.
Scott Bromberg, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Food Dealers Association, argued the measure puts traditional grocery stores at a "competitive disadvantage," WPRI reported. The United Food and Commercial Workers union celebrated the passage of the legislation, which it described as requiring one grocery worker for every three self-checkout stands.
---
AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.
---
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article