A proposed legislative measure in California, Senate Bill 1446, is set to restrict the use of self-checkout kiosks in large grocery and drug retail stores. This move aims to curtail retail theft, create more jobs, and ensure the safety of workers and customers.

The bill mandates that employees supervise no more than two self-checkout stations simultaneously and be relieved from all other duties during this task. Stores with self-checkout options should also include at least one manual checkout station. Self-checkout lanes should cater to customers buying 10 or fewer items. The purchase of ID-required items and those having theft-deterrent measures need to revert to manual checkouts when self-checkout service is available. A worker and consumer impact assessment is also required before any AI-based technology is introduced.