Overview

• SB 442 passed the Senate 26-10 following amendments that require a dedicated staff monitor, at least one traditional checkout lane and signs capping self-checkout to 15 items while banning tobacco and security-tagged products.
• The bill mandates a 60-day written notice to employees and unions before stores add new self-service machines and imposes a $1,000-per-violation-per-day penalty for failures to comply.
• Cosponsored by the California Labor Federation and United Food and Commercial Workers and carried by Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, proponents say the measure will boost worker safety and customer service.
• Retailers and grocery groups warn that added staffing and operational constraints will increase labor costs that are likely to be passed on to consumers, driving up grocery prices.
• After lawmakers return from recess on August 18, SB 442 is slated for the Assembly Appropriations Committee before a full Assembly vote.