A proposed bill in California aims to tackle the rampant retail theft crisis by potentially banning self-checkout options in grocery stores and certain retailers. Senate Bill 1446, introduced by Democratic Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, targets the estimated $10 billion in losses attributed annually to self-checkout machines.

Smallwood-Cuevas argues that these machines cause significantly higher losses compared to traditional cashier checkouts, citing a staggering 16 times increase.The bill, if passed, would impose strict conditions on the provision of self-service checkout, limiting the number of stations per employee and mandating relief from other duties. Additionally, retailers would need to assess the impact of technologies like artificial intelligence that could potentially replace or significantly alter essential job functions, potentially eliminating jobs altogether.

Smallwood-Cuevas emphasized concerns not only about financial losses but also about the safety of lone workers, who often become targets for theft and violence amidst the chaotic environment of self-checkout operations. This move aligns with recent actions taken by major retailers like Walmart and Five Below, which have scaled back or transitioned away from self-checkout machines in response to rising theft concerns.

While the proposed bill aims to address immediate challenges in the retail sector, it also raises questions about the future of automation and its impact on employment. With the industry grappling with the dual challenges of theft and workforce safety, California’s legislative push may set a precedent for other states facing similar issues.