Rhode Island House Bill H6282

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/30/25
• Refer: 4/30/25

Caption

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.