California lawmakers are once again pushing to regulate self-checkout stations after a failed attempt last year. Senate Bill 442, authored by Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, would require stores to keep at least one staffed checkout lane open, limit self-checkout to 15 items, and assign a dedicated employee to assist customers. The bill would also expand the ban on self-checkout sales of alcohol to include tobacco and other ID-required items, as well as products with security devices. Supporters say the changes will improve customer service and protect workers, while opponents — including grocers and retailers — argue it will raise costs and lead to higher prices. The measure also lets cities impose stricter rules, something businesses warn could create inconsistent regulations statewide. The bill has passed the Senate and awaits action in the Assembly Appropriations Committee after the summer recess.
Lawmakers trying to solve a problem that is not theirs to solve I get no ID-required items at self check outs, but the rest of it is none of their business. The government trying to improve customer service? Really? Maybe after they have perfected customer service at DMV, Franchise Tax board they can provide some free workshops for private business.
Ca. Government can’t solve any problems. Solve the homeless issues before intruding in private businesses.
I think Safeway has all these rules already in place.
It’s all about taxes.
CA government wants to tax all self-checkouts because they need to be regulated.
No one in government works for the people.
Why do these people hate us so much? Who do they think they are protecting? Who the hell is some state legislator to attempt to dictate how many items someone can take through a self-checkout?
Make it make sense.
Because it’s a form of genocide. Big business only and kill off small business which competes and probably worries American oligarchs that some small business will win some new market over them. If you think that is a “conspiracy theory” then you don’t know much history, economics and business. We’ll wind up with a feudal society where the rich rules and rest are just serf slaves. Let’s try to keep that from happening.
It’s protecting the union folks at the store. They push for this type of thing.
Forget solving our homeless crisis, the environmental issues around the fires, our gas prices, and our general high cost of living, let’s instead spend time solving a problem that individual grocery stores should be self-managing. All while our governor is more interested in what is going on around the country than spending time doing his job trying to fix California.
Thank you. Spread the word and the anger of all Ca. Voters.
..well said NA NA … it’s all for politic grandstanding
I don’t use them if I don’t have to. Checkers and courtesy clerks are losing their jobs because of them. Also, I’ve seen people slipping some items through without paying (which will come out of our pocket).
I watched at one local store when employees working the shelves were called forward to open up an express lanes. It was obvious they preferred stocking shelves to the express lane. There people are in a hurry and they had to move the line through. Regular checkout was not that frantic.
Hey all! This is a huge problem! Obviosuly it is bigger than Newscum threatening a president or a fish named Bass in LA flat out saying they are going to NOT comply with Federal Law. Obviously, the self check out issue is bigger than all of that.
But what do you expect from the Democrats? They do not want to solve real problems, only the ones that they create out of thin air.
Sounds like Democrat California.
Dear lawmakers, please focus on your basic responsibilities such as infrastructure (water lines, bridges, etc.), our disappointing schools, crime, fire and most importantly, balancing the budget.
Who are you and what did you do with the original Doh?
Won’t use self checkout, don’t believe in putting people out of work.
I can never find an employee to unlock the liquor cabinet fo I’ll just ask for what I want when it’s my turn at the register – it’s ridiculous what we have to go through… and why a limit of 15 items when there’s only one open checker at any one time?
Nice to see they’re all over the issues
Californians care about most.
WTF!?