Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB73

Introduced
1/4/23  
Refer
1/4/23  

Caption

Retailers; prohibit use of self-checkout terminals to scan consumer's driver's licenses to verify age.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance consumer protection by limiting the types of technology that can be utilized in retail transactions, particularly in regard to age verification for items that require it. By prohibiting the scanning of driver's licenses in self-checkout systems, the bill may also help in safeguarding consumer privacy. Additionally, the bill affirms that the only entities permitted to use such technology are law enforcement agencies and court officers, which tightens control on sensitive personal information.

Summary

House Bill 73 prohibits certain retailers and retail establishments from using embedded technology in self-checkout terminals or self-service checkouts to verify a consumer's age through scanning driver's licenses or personal identification cards. Instead, the bill mandates that age verification must be manually performed by an employee of the establishment when required for specific purchases. The legislation seeks to ensure that personal identification information is not processed or recorded through automated systems in retail environments.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding House Bill 73. Supporters argue that it is a necessary measure to protect consumer privacy and mitigate risks associated with data misuse and identity theft. However, opponents may raise concerns about the potential challenges it poses to retail operations, as requiring manual verification could lead to longer wait times at checkout and increased staffing needs. Additionally, some industry stakeholders might argue that the technology currently in use enhances operational efficiency and customer experience, which could be negatively impacted by the enforcement of this law.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB100

Retailers; prohibit use of self-checkout terminals to scan consumer's driver's licenses to verify age.

MS SB442

Grocery retail store and retail drug establishment employees: self-service checkout.

MS S237

Regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments

MS SB1446

Grocery retail store and retail drug establishment employees: self-service checkout and consequential workplace technology.

MS HB3627

Contracts; Grocery Store Checkout Station Act; self-service checkout stations; traditional checkout stations; Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; severability; effective date.

MS S2268

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.

MS S0085

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.

MS H6282

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.

MS HF1848

Food retailers authorized to sell wine and beer, and constitutional amendment proposed.

MS HB976

Sellers of alternative nicotine products and package retailers; require to have a third-party age verification service.

Similar Bills

CA SB442

Grocery retail store and retail drug establishment employees: self-service checkout.

CA SB1446

Grocery retail store and retail drug establishment employees: self-service checkout and consequential workplace technology.

OR SB551

Relating to plastic waste.

OR HB3787

Relating to checkout bags.

AZ HB2802

Checkout bags; penalty; enforcement; reporting

MS HB100

Retailers; prohibit use of self-checkout terminals to scan consumer's driver's licenses to verify age.

TX HB1913

Relating to requirements for businesses that offer plastic checkout bags to customers.

TX SB908

Relating to requirements for businesses that offer plastic checkout bags to customers.