New California bill could force stores to close self-checkout – NBC Bay Area

California lawmakers will consider a new bill Monday that could force stores to close self-checkouts.

The bill would prohibit grocery stores or retail pharmacies from offering self-checkout options unless all of the following conditions are met:

• Orders are limited to 10 items or less
• At least one cash register with manual staff is available
• Customers are prohibited from purchasing certain items
• An employee can only monitor a maximum of two self-service kiosks
• The employee is relieved of all other duties during supervision

It also requires stores that use artificial intelligence to complete an assessment before implementing the technology.

The bill has the support of the UFCW and other labor groups. However, several groups oppose it, including the California Chamber of Commerce.

The discussion comes as cities across the state have faced backlash due to brazen thefts at grocery stores and pharmacies.

In San Francisco, a woman was caught stealing merchandise worth tens of thousands of dollars from different Target locations.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that Aziza Graves, 43, was convicted of one felony count of grand theft and 52 misdemeanor counts of petit theft, with thefts related to those committed at Stonestown Target. She was also convicted of misdemeanor petty theft from Abercrombie.

Graves faces more than three years in state prison. She is currently in detention.