Bill Sponsors
Cotter, Spears, Carson, Donovan, Corvese, Morales, Read, Kislak, Ajello, and Potter
Committee
House Labor
Summary
Select
This bill requires grocery stores that use self-checkout stations to have at least one human-operated checkout lane open for every three self-checkout lanes in use. At least one of the human-operated lanes must be accessible to people with disabilities. Employees monitoring self-checkout areas cannot be assigned other tasks at the same time. The rules do not apply between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., or during weather emergencies. The Department of Labor and Training will enforce these rules, and stores that violate them can face fines of up to $500 per day.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Protects jobs for retail workers by mandating human-operated checkout lanes, preventing full automation from eliminating entry-level and cashier positions.
- Ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities and the elderly by mandating that at least one manual checkout station in operation is ADA-compliant.
- Includes strong anti-retaliation protections for both employees and consumers who report violations, empowering workers and the community to hold corporations accountable.
Cons for Progressives
- The exemption for off-peak hours (8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.) leaves late-night or early-morning shoppers, who are often shift workers or marginalized individuals, without guaranteed human assistance.
- Fines are capped at a maximum of $500 per day, which is likely too low to meaningfully deter large, wealthy corporate grocery chains from violating the law.
- The bill only applies to dedicated grocery stores, leaving workers and consumers at other large retail chains (like big-box stores or pharmacies) without these labor and accessibility protections.
Pros for Conservatives
- Provides clear exemptions for businesses during off-peak hours and emergencies, offering regulatory relief when staffing is most difficult to maintain.
- Creates a tiered penalty system that starts with a written warning for the first violation rather than immediately imposing financial burdens on businesses.
- Supports traditional consumer experiences by ensuring shoppers who prefer human-operated checkout interactions over automated systems are accommodated.
Cons for Conservatives
- Imposes strict government mandates on how private businesses manage their staffing and operations, severely limiting corporate freedom and operational efficiency.
- Creates new regulatory burdens and potential legal liabilities for grocery store owners, including the risk of employee or consumer lawsuits for alleged retaliation.
- Interferes with the free market by artificially hindering the adoption and optimization of cost-saving automated checkout technology.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely. The bill regulates commercial business operations and employee staffing ratios, which falls well within the state's police powers to regulate commerce and labor. It does not appear to infringe on free speech, due process, or protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Grocery store owners
- Retail clerks
- Grocery store shoppers
- Individuals with disabilities
- Department of Labor and Training
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
None
Revenue Generated
Amount unknown
BillBuddy Impact Ratings
Importance
Measures population affected and overall level of impact.
Freedom Impact
Level of individual freedom impacted by the bill.
Public Services
How much the bill is likely to impact one or more public services.
Regulatory
Estimated regulatory burden imposed on the subject(s) of the bill.
Clarity of Bill Language
How clear the language of the bill is. Higher ambiguity equals a lower score.
Enforcement Provisions
Measures enforcement provisions and penalties for non-compliance (if applicable).
Environmental Impact
Impact the bill will have on the environment, positive or negative.
Privacy Impact
Impact the bill is likely to have on the privacy of individuals.
Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to House Labor
• 01/30/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/05/2026)
• 02/05/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• 06/07/2026 Scheduled for consideration (06/09/2026)
• 06/07/2026 Proposed Substitute
• 06/09/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• 06/09/2026 Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)
• 06/10/2026 House passed Sub A
• 06/10/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)
• 06/11/2026 Senate passed Sub A in concurrence
• 06/16/2026 Transmitted to Governor
• 06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
• 01/30/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/05/2026)
• 02/05/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
• 06/07/2026 Scheduled for consideration (06/09/2026)
• 06/07/2026 Proposed Substitute
• 06/09/2026 Committee recommends passage of Sub A
• 06/09/2026 Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)
• 06/10/2026 House passed Sub A
• 06/10/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)
• 06/11/2026 Senate passed Sub A in concurrence
• 06/16/2026 Transmitted to Governor
• 06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Title 28 of the General Laws entitled "LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter: CHAPTER 61 RESTRICTIONS ON SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT STATIONS ACT
28-61-1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Restrictions on Self-Service Checkout Stations Act”.
28-61-2. Applicability.
This act shall apply to all grocery stores in this state that offer shoppers the use of self- service checkout stations.
28-61-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases are defined as follows:
(1) “Department” means the department of labor and training.
(2) “Groceries” means
(i) Any raw or processed food or beverage intended for human consumption except alcoholic beverages and marijuana products;
(ii) Prescription and over-the-counter drugs and related personal care and hygiene items, when sold by a retailer that also sells food and beverages; and
(iii) Miscellaneous household maintenance items including, but not limited to, laundry detergent and dishwashing soap, when sold by a retailer that also sells food and beverages.
(3) “Grocery store” means a business that earns the majority of its gross income from the retail sale of groceries.
(4) “Manual checkout station” means a checkout station at which a human operator assists shoppers by scanning, bagging, and accepting payment for purchases.
(5) “Retail clerk” means an employee whose primary responsibility is assisting shoppers with scanning, bagging, and receiving payment for purchases.
(6) “Retail sale” means the sale of groceries to a shopper for personal use or consumption; provided, such use is not for the purpose of resale.
(7) “Self-service checkout” means an automated process that enables shoppers to scan, bag, and pay for their purchases without human assistance.
28-61-4. Restrictions on self-service checkout stations.
(a) Grocery stores shall not have more than eight (8) self-service checkout stations operating at any one time per location.
(b) Grocery stores with self-service checkout stations shall have a minimum of one manual checkout station in operation for every two (2) self-service checkout stations in operation.
(c) No more than two (2) self-service checkout stations may be simultaneously monitored by any one employee. Further, an employee shall be relieved of all other duties when monitoring any self-service checkout station including, but not limited to, operating a manual checkout station.
28-61-5. Rulemaking authority.
The department shall have the primary authority to promulgate rules, regulations, and penalties to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
28-61-6. Violations.
(a) Fines for multiple violations made by the same grocery store at the same location or different locations shall be equal to wages for one eight (8) hour shift based on the highest wage for hourly retail clerks for each day on which there is a violation.
(b) Any employee may file a complaint with the department alleging a violation of this chapter, free from fear of retaliation. Any employee of a grocery store who alleges retaliation by their employer for submitting a complaint alleging violation(s) of this chapter may bring a cause of action in superior court.
(c) If a grocery store does not comply with the provisions of this chapter after thirty (30) days of receiving notice of a violation of this chapter, such non-compliance shall be considered an unlawful act punishable in accordance with §§ 6-13-2 and 6-13.1-5. LC004054 - Page 2 of 4
(d) A consumer who alleges a violation of this chapter may file a complaint with the department. Retaliation against a consumer who files a complaint alleging violation of this chapter shall constitute an unlawful act punishable in accordance with §§ 6-13-2 and 6-13.1-5.
28-61-7. Severability.
If any part, section, or provision of this chapter is found unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid, such a finding will affect only that part, section or provision of this chapter and the remaining parts, sections, or provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
28-61-1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Restrictions on Self-Service Checkout Stations Act”.
28-61-2. Applicability.
This act shall apply to all grocery stores in this state that offer shoppers the use of self- service checkout stations.
28-61-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases are defined as follows:
(1) “Department” means the department of labor and training.
(2) “Groceries” means
(i) Any raw or processed food or beverage intended for human consumption except alcoholic beverages and marijuana products;
(ii) Prescription and over-the-counter drugs and related personal care and hygiene items, when sold by a retailer that also sells food and beverages; and
(iii) Miscellaneous household maintenance items including, but not limited to, laundry detergent and dishwashing soap, when sold by a retailer that also sells food and beverages.
(3) “Grocery store” means a business that earns the majority of its gross income from the retail sale of groceries.
(4) “Manual checkout station” means a checkout station at which a human operator assists shoppers by scanning, bagging, and accepting payment for purchases.
(5) “Retail clerk” means an employee whose primary responsibility is assisting shoppers with scanning, bagging, and receiving payment for purchases.
(6) “Retail sale” means the sale of groceries to a shopper for personal use or consumption; provided, such use is not for the purpose of resale.
(7) “Self-service checkout” means an automated process that enables shoppers to scan, bag, and pay for their purchases without human assistance.
28-61-4. Restrictions on self-service checkout stations.
(a) Grocery stores shall not have more than eight (8) self-service checkout stations operating at any one time per location.
(b) Grocery stores with self-service checkout stations shall have a minimum of one manual checkout station in operation for every two (2) self-service checkout stations in operation.
(c) No more than two (2) self-service checkout stations may be simultaneously monitored by any one employee. Further, an employee shall be relieved of all other duties when monitoring any self-service checkout station including, but not limited to, operating a manual checkout station.
28-61-5. Rulemaking authority.
The department shall have the primary authority to promulgate rules, regulations, and penalties to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
28-61-6. Violations.
(a) Fines for multiple violations made by the same grocery store at the same location or different locations shall be equal to wages for one eight (8) hour shift based on the highest wage for hourly retail clerks for each day on which there is a violation.
(b) Any employee may file a complaint with the department alleging a violation of this chapter, free from fear of retaliation. Any employee of a grocery store who alleges retaliation by their employer for submitting a complaint alleging violation(s) of this chapter may bring a cause of action in superior court.
(c) If a grocery store does not comply with the provisions of this chapter after thirty (30) days of receiving notice of a violation of this chapter, such non-compliance shall be considered an unlawful act punishable in accordance with §§ 6-13-2 and 6-13.1-5. LC004054 - Page 2 of 4
(d) A consumer who alleges a violation of this chapter may file a complaint with the department. Retaliation against a consumer who files a complaint alleging violation of this chapter shall constitute an unlawful act punishable in accordance with §§ 6-13-2 and 6-13.1-5.
28-61-7. Severability.
If any part, section, or provision of this chapter is found unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid, such a finding will affect only that part, section or provision of this chapter and the remaining parts, sections, or provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
SECTION 1. Title 28 of the General Laws entitled "LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter: CHAPTER 61 RESTRICTIONS ON SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT STATIONS ACT
28-61-1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Restrictions on Self-Service Checkout Stations Act”.
28-61-2. Applicability.
This act shall apply to all grocery stores in this state that offer shoppers the use of self- service checkout stations.
28-61-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases are defined as follows:
(1) “Department” means the department of labor and training.
(2) “Groceries” means
(i) Any raw or processed food or beverage intended for human consumption except alcoholic beverages and marijuana products; and
(ii) Miscellaneous household maintenance items including, but not limited to, laundry detergent and dishwashing soap, when sold by a retailer that also sells food and beverages.
(3) “Grocery store” means a business that earns the majority of its gross income from the retail sale of groceries.
(4) “Manual checkout station” means a checkout station at which a human operator assists shoppers by scanning, bagging, and accepting payment for purchases.
(5) “Retail clerk” means an employee whose primary responsibility is assisting shoppers with scanning, bagging, and receiving payment for purchases.
(6) “Retail sale” means the sale of groceries to a shopper for personal use or consumption; provided, such use is not for the purpose of resale.
(7) “Self-service checkout” means an automated process that enables shoppers to scan, bag, and pay for their purchases without human assistance.
28-61-4. Restrictions on self-service checkout stations.
(a) Grocery stores with self-service checkout stations shall have a minimum of one manual checkout station in operation for every three (3) self-service checkout stations in operation; provided further, there shall be a minimum of one manual checkout station in operation that is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
(b) An employee shall be relieved of all other duties when monitoring any self-service checkout station including, but not limited to, operating a manual checkout station.
(c) A grocery store shall be exempt from the required staffing ratio during off-peak hours. "Off-peak hours" means the period before 8:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m., local time, on any calendar day.
(d) A grocery store shall be exempt from the required staffing ratio during a declared state of emergency affecting the geographic area in which the establishment is located or when a severe weather alert is in effect for the geographic area in which the establishment is located, provided that:
(1) Active warning. The exemption applies only during the period the severe weather alert is in effect, as issued or extended by the National Weather Service or applicable state or local emergency management authority; and
(2) Employee safety. The establishment shall not require any employee to report to work or remain at work in conditions the employee reasonably believes pose an imminent threat to their personal safety due to the severe weather event.
28-61-5. Rulemaking authority.
The department shall have the primary authority to promulgate rules, regulations, and penalties to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
28-61-6. Violations. LC004054/SUB A - Page 2 of 4
(a) A first violation of the provisions of this chapter shall result in a written warning and no other penalty shall be imposed for such first violation.
(b) Fines for multiple violations made by the same grocery store at the same location shall be equal to wages for one four (4) hour shift based on the highest wage for hourly retail clerks for each day on which there is a violation; provided that, fines shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) per day.
(c) Any employee may file a complaint with the department alleging a violation of this chapter, free from fear of retaliation. Any employee of a grocery store who alleges retaliation by their employer for submitting a complaint alleging violation(s) of this chapter may bring a cause of action in superior court.
(d) If a grocery store does not comply with the provisions of this chapter after thirty (30) days of receiving notice of a violation of this chapter, such non-compliance shall be considered an unlawful act punishable in accordance with §§ 6-13.1-2 and 6-13.1-5.
(e) A consumer who alleges a violation of this chapter may file a complaint with the department. Retaliation against a consumer who files a complaint alleging violation of this chapter shall constitute an unlawful act punishable in accordance with §§ 6-13.1-2 and 6-13.1-5.
28-61-7. Severability.
If any part, section, or provision of this chapter is found unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid, such a finding will affect only that part, section or provision of this chapter and the remaining parts, sections, or provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.
28-61-1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Restrictions on Self-Service Checkout Stations Act”.
28-61-2. Applicability.
This act shall apply to all grocery stores in this state that offer shoppers the use of self- service checkout stations.
28-61-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases are defined as follows:
(1) “Department” means the department of labor and training.
(2) “Groceries” means
(i) Any raw or processed food or beverage intended for human consumption except alcoholic beverages and marijuana products; and
(ii) Miscellaneous household maintenance items including, but not limited to, laundry detergent and dishwashing soap, when sold by a retailer that also sells food and beverages.
(3) “Grocery store” means a business that earns the majority of its gross income from the retail sale of groceries.
(4) “Manual checkout station” means a checkout station at which a human operator assists shoppers by scanning, bagging, and accepting payment for purchases.
(5) “Retail clerk” means an employee whose primary responsibility is assisting shoppers with scanning, bagging, and receiving payment for purchases.
(6) “Retail sale” means the sale of groceries to a shopper for personal use or consumption; provided, such use is not for the purpose of resale.
(7) “Self-service checkout” means an automated process that enables shoppers to scan, bag, and pay for their purchases without human assistance.
28-61-4. Restrictions on self-service checkout stations.
(a) Grocery stores with self-service checkout stations shall have a minimum of one manual checkout station in operation for every three (3) self-service checkout stations in operation; provided further, there shall be a minimum of one manual checkout station in operation that is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
(b) An employee shall be relieved of all other duties when monitoring any self-service checkout station including, but not limited to, operating a manual checkout station.
(c) A grocery store shall be exempt from the required staffing ratio during off-peak hours. "Off-peak hours" means the period before 8:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m., local time, on any calendar day.
(d) A grocery store shall be exempt from the required staffing ratio during a declared state of emergency affecting the geographic area in which the establishment is located or when a severe weather alert is in effect for the geographic area in which the establishment is located, provided that:
(1) Active warning. The exemption applies only during the period the severe weather alert is in effect, as issued or extended by the National Weather Service or applicable state or local emergency management authority; and
(2) Employee safety. The establishment shall not require any employee to report to work or remain at work in conditions the employee reasonably believes pose an imminent threat to their personal safety due to the severe weather event.
28-61-5. Rulemaking authority.
The department shall have the primary authority to promulgate rules, regulations, and penalties to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
28-61-6. Violations. LC004054/SUB A - Page 2 of 4
(a) A first violation of the provisions of this chapter shall result in a written warning and no other penalty shall be imposed for such first violation.
(b) Fines for multiple violations made by the same grocery store at the same location shall be equal to wages for one four (4) hour shift based on the highest wage for hourly retail clerks for each day on which there is a violation; provided that, fines shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) per day.
(c) Any employee may file a complaint with the department alleging a violation of this chapter, free from fear of retaliation. Any employee of a grocery store who alleges retaliation by their employer for submitting a complaint alleging violation(s) of this chapter may bring a cause of action in superior court.
(d) If a grocery store does not comply with the provisions of this chapter after thirty (30) days of receiving notice of a violation of this chapter, such non-compliance shall be considered an unlawful act punishable in accordance with §§ 6-13.1-2 and 6-13.1-5.
(e) A consumer who alleges a violation of this chapter may file a complaint with the department. Retaliation against a consumer who files a complaint alleging violation of this chapter shall constitute an unlawful act punishable in accordance with §§ 6-13.1-2 and 6-13.1-5.
28-61-7. Severability.
If any part, section, or provision of this chapter is found unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid, such a finding will affect only that part, section or provision of this chapter and the remaining parts, sections, or provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.
Changes from H7290A:
The amended bill removes prescription drugs from the definition of groceries, eliminates the eight-station cap, and changes the manual-to-self-checkout ratio to 1:3, requiring one ADA-compliant manual station. It exempts off-peak hours and emergencies. Fines are reduced to a four-hour shift wage (capped at $500), first violations receive warnings, and the effective date changes to January 1, 2027.
- Removed prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as personal care and hygiene items, from the definition of "Groceries."
- Removed the restriction limiting grocery stores to a maximum of eight (8) self-service checkout stations per location.
- Changed the required checkout ratio from one manual station for every two self-service stations to one manual station for every three self-service stations.
- Added a requirement that at least one operating manual checkout station must be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Removed the restriction limiting employees to monitoring no more than two (2) self-service stations simultaneously.
- Added staffing ratio exemptions for "off-peak hours" (before 8:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m.) and during declared states of emergency or severe weather alerts.
- Added a provision stating that a first violation will result only in a written warning.
- Reduced the fine for multiple violations from the equivalent of an eight (8) hour shift wage to a four (4) hour shift wage, capped the fine at $500 per day, and removed the penalty's application across "different locations."
- Corrected statutory penalty references from §§ 6-13-2 to §§ 6-13.1-2.
- Changed the effective date of the act from "upon passage" to January 1, 2027.
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The amended bill removes prescription drugs from the definition of groceries, eliminates the eight-station cap, and changes the manual-to-self-checkout ratio to 1:3, requiring one ADA-compliant manual station. It exempts off-peak hours and emergencies. Fines are reduced to a four-hour shift wage (capped at $500), first violations receive warnings, and the effective date changes to January 1, 2027.
- Removed prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as personal care and hygiene items, from the definition of "Groceries."
- Removed the restriction limiting grocery stores to a maximum of eight (8) self-service checkout stations per location.
- Changed the required checkout ratio from one manual station for every two self-service stations to one manual station for every three self-service stations.
- Added a requirement that at least one operating manual checkout station must be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Removed the restriction limiting employees to monitoring no more than two (2) self-service stations simultaneously.
- Added staffing ratio exemptions for "off-peak hours" (before 8:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m.) and during declared states of emergency or severe weather alerts.
- Added a provision stating that a first violation will result only in a written warning.
- Reduced the fine for multiple violations from the equivalent of an eight (8) hour shift wage to a four (4) hour shift wage, capped the fine at $500 per day, and removed the penalty's application across "different locations."
- Corrected statutory penalty references from §§ 6-13-2 to §§ 6-13.1-2.
- Changed the effective date of the act from "upon passage" to January 1, 2027.
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