Retail

California grocers warn proposed self-checkout bill could increase prices

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August 20, 2025

The California Grocers Association warns that a bill regulating self-checkout stations in California, Senate Bill 442, could lead to higher grocery prices.

The legislation, which has already passed the state Senate, is authored by State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas and aims to improve working conditions for employees, according to a CBS 8 report.

The proposed bill would require stores to have a dedicated employee at self-checkout stations and limit customers to 15 items. It also mandates at least one manual checkout lane. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas argues the bill will protect consumers and workers and help combat retail theft. "[There's] nothing in this bill that is calling for increasing prices," Smallwood-Cuevas told the news outlet.

However, Nate Rose, of the California Grocers Association, counters that the new requirements would increase operational costs, which would then be passed on to consumers. As a potential compromise, grocers have suggested allowing alcohol sales through self-checkout, a practice currently banned in California. Smallwood-Cuevas has rejected this proposal, citing risks to communities. The bill is now advancing to the state Assembly's Appropriations Committee.