What is the future of self-checkouts in Massachusetts?

In a world where human contact seems to be less and less, a State Senator from Massachusetts has introduced a bill aimed at curbing the growth rate of self-checkout kiosks in grocery stores.

Market Basket in Massachusetts, famously, is staunchly anti-self-checkout. They do not have any in their stores.

How do you feel? I personally almost always opt for the staffed checkout lane. I prefer the interaction and the assistance scanning, bagging, and paying for my groceries - plus conversation between two actual humans I think is a good thing.

So what is the bill?

"An Act Regulating Self-Checkouts in Grocery Establishments" -

This legislation aims to address growing concerns from workers and some customers about the proliferation of self-checkout kiosks, including job losses, increased theft, customer frustration (especially among the elderly), and workplace safety issues like verbal abuse or physical assaults on staff intervening in incidents.

The proposal would impose the following restrictions on grocery stores (defined as establishments with over 5,000 square feet of retail space selling primarily food):

• Limit on Kiosks: No more than 8 self-service checkout stations can operate at any one time per location.

• Staffing Requirements: For every 2 self-checkout stations in use, at least 1 traditional staffed checkout lane must remain open.

• Employee Oversight: One employee can monitor no more than 2 self-checkout stations simultaneously, and they must be dedicated solely to this task (no multitasking with other duties like bagging or restocking).

• Enforcement and Penalties: The Massachusetts Division of Standards would oversee compliance, with fines starting at the equivalent of one full day's pay and benefits for a retail clerk (around $200–$300, depending on the role) for initial violations.