Rhode Island has become the first state in the country with a statewide requirement on self-checkouts.
Gov. Dan McKee joined Senate President Valarie J. Lawson and Rep. Megan L. Cotter on June 25 for a ceremonial signing of legislation establishing limits on the use of self-checkout lanes at grocery stores in Rhode Island.
The legislation (2026‑S 2342B, 2026‑H 7290A) requires grocery stores with self-checkouts to have a minimum of one staffed checkout for every three self-checkouts operating, with at least one self-checkout station meeting the accessibility standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
It also requires that employees be relieved of all other duties – including operating a manual checkout station – while monitoring self-checkout stations. The bill contains exemptions for off‑peak hours, determined to be before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., as well as during a declared state of emergency.
Legislation about frustration, jobs
“Overreliance on self-service checkouts is frustrating for customers and the workers who are manually covering self-checkout stations on top of all their other job duties,” said Lawson (D‑East Providence). “This bill would provide options for the consumer by making sure staffed checkout lanes are always available while also improving the store environment for workers and consumers.”
Cotter (D‑Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton) commented, “In addition to the frustration and inconvenience self-checkouts represent to many shoppers, this is a jobs issue. Self-checkouts are specifically used to reduce the number of people that stores employ, and the number of hours that their employees work. As cashiers move from full time to part time, many are forced to turn to government assistance like Medicaid and food stamps. This bill places a limit on this trend and ensures that those who want to check out with a human can do so.”
Gov. McKee said, “Today, we’re protecting jobs and strengthening customer service. Whether it’s helping a customer with an issue, assisting a senior or ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities, this law is about preserving choice and keeping people at the center of the shopping experience. I’m proud to see Rhode Island become the first state in the country with a statewide requirement on self-checkouts.”