Major self-checkout change is on the way in California if proposed bill is passed

A major change is on the way to self-checkout machines in California

Self-checkout machines are proving to continue to be more and more divisive, with a proposed bill on the cards in California that would see them changed significantly.

Senate Bill 1446, part of a bill package introduced by California State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, would see stores across America’s most highly populated state required to staff their self-checkout machines, with other changes also being enforced.

The bill is being proposed for a number of reasons. Self-checkout machines that are unstaffed reportedly lead to an increase in theft, which the bill aims to reduce. On top of that, it will aim to create more jobs across California.

Hundreds of shoppers have taken issue with the rise in self-checkout machines over the past few years, for various reasons, and this bill would aim to solve one of the biggest issues associated with the piece of technology.

Many shoppers are unhappy when they go to purchase items, and their only choice is to use a self-checkout lane, as there are no regular lanes open. This can be a major issue for older shoppers, or people who may need some assistance.

This bill would ensure employees monitor no more than two self-checkout stations at a time and are relieved from all other duties while working with self-checkout stations, and that at least one manual checkout station is made available when self-service is available.

According to USA Today, experts believe the bill could result in more stores moving away from the technology, which was first implemented to reduce labor costs.

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