Requires grocery stores to specifically limit the number of self-service checkout units to six (6) units per location. The consumer protection unit of the department of attorney general would have authority to enforce these restrictions.
Impact
The introduction of H6282 is rooted in concerns regarding social isolation, particularly among elderly customers who may struggle with self-service technologies. Supporters argue that limiting the number of automated checkouts fosters a community atmosphere in grocery shopping and protects jobs for cashiers, often occupied by marginalized groups. The bill addresses issues related to retail employee treatment, work conditions, and the potential for increased theft and data breaches associated with self-service checkouts.
Summary
House Bill H6282, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, aims to regulate self-service checkout stations within grocery stores. Specifically, the bill mandates that grocery stores can operate no more than six self-service checkout stations at any one location. It also establishes a requirement for grocery stores with self-service checkouts to maintain at least one manual checkout station for every self-service unit, ensuring that customers still have access to human assistance when checking out. The consumer protection unit of the Department of Attorney General is given authority to enforce these regulations.
Contention
Critics of the bill may argue that enforcing such limits could hinder the operational efficiency of grocery stores and increase costs for consumers. While proponents view it as a necessary safeguard for vulnerable populations, opponents may claim it constitutes government overreach into operational decisions of private businesses. The discussion around H6282 thus encapsulates broader themes of consumer protection, employment rights, and the role of technology in modern retail environments.
Requires grocery stores to specifically limit the number of self-service checkout units to six (6) units per location. The consumer protection unit of the department of attorney general would have authority to enforce these restrictions.
Requires grocery stores to specifically limit the number of self-service checkout units to six (6) units per location. The consumer protection unit of the department of attorney general would have authority to enforce these restrictions.
Regulates PBMs policies and practices relating to accurate costs and pricing reporting, restricts discriminatory practices and establishes consumer protections and enforcement of penalties for violations by the office of the attorney general.
Provides that effective July 1, 2025, any attorney who self-certifies that they have successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course shall have the authority to prosecute any violation of a protective order.
Amends outdated provisions of the banking statutes and the home loan protection act, adds consumer protections, including minimum capital requirements and limits on investments, for currency transmitters, including crypto currency.
Amends outdated provisions of the banking statutes and the home loan protection act, adds consumer protections, including minimum capital requirements and limits on investments, for currency transmitters, including crypto currency.
Prohibits utility companies from limiting the eligibility of a net metering site based on prior consumption and requires excess energy not consumed under the net metering system to be credited to the consumer.