What proposed self-checkout changes would mean for California shoppers

A bill advancing through the California Legislature would require more cashiers to monitor self-checkout stations, but some business groups say the cost of the increased surveillance is too high.

The Retail Theft Prevention and Safe Staffing Act, also known as SB 1446, is designed to decrease retail theft by increasing the number of workers in self-checkout areas, said Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, D-Los Angeles, the bill’s author. She also said the improved monitoring will make stores safer. The Senate passed the bill in May, and the Assembly is considering it.

Here's what it might mean for California shoppers.

What does the California self-checkout bill do?

Under the proposed self-checkout legislation, grocery stores and retail drug stores could assign each worker to watch no more than two self-checkout stations. The bill would also add requirements on the number of items per checkout and what could be checked out at a self-serve station.

The bill would require stores to notify workers if new technology will eliminate, automate, or electronically monitor their jobs. Under the bill, each day of violations would cost stores $100.

The legislation would raise store costs by at least $497.1 million annually, according to the California Chamber of Commerce. It cited a California Foundation for Commerce and Education analysis that said the bill would require hiring more than 10,000 additional cashiers.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What proposed self-checkout changes would mean for California shoppers