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Rhode IslandH72902026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- RESTRICTIONS ON SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT STATIONS ACT .

Sponsored By: Megan L. Cotter (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Stronger penalties for rule-breaking stores

The Department of Labor and Training writes rules and enforces this law. If the same grocery store has multiple violations at the same or different locations, the fine equals the wages for one eight‑hour shift at the highest hourly retail clerk wage, for each day of violation. After the department gives notice, a store has 30 days to fix a violation. If it does not fix it in 30 days, that becomes an unlawful act with penalties under state law.

New limits for grocery self-checkout

This law covers any Rhode Island grocery store that offers self‑checkout. A store may run no more than eight self‑checkout stations at one location at the same time. It must also run at least one staffed manual lane for every two self‑checkout lanes in use. No employee may watch more than two self‑checkout machines at once, and that employee cannot do other duties then.

Workers and shoppers can file complaints

Employees can file a complaint with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training about violations. Employers cannot punish workers for filing. If a worker faces retaliation, the worker may sue in Rhode Island Superior Court. Shoppers can also file complaints with the department. It is illegal for a store to retaliate against a shopper for filing, with penalties under state law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Megan L. Cotter

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Edith H. Ajello

    Democratic • House

  • Lauren H. Carson

    Democratic • House

  • Arthur J. Corvese

    Democratic • House

  • Susan R. Donovan

    Democratic • House

  • Rebecca M. Kislak

    Democratic • House

  • David Morales

    Democratic • House

  • Brandon C. Potter

    Democratic • House

  • Earl A. Read, III

    Democratic • House

  • Tina L. Spears

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 92 • No: 17

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

LABOR/LABOR RELATION-RESTRICTION SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT STATIONS In Concurrence

Yes: 32 • No: 6

House vote • 6/10/2026

SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT STATIONS PASSAGE

Yes: 60 • No: 11

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 128

    6/18/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/11/2026Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/10/2026Senate

  5. House passed Sub A

    6/10/2026House

  6. Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/9/2026House

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/9/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/7/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/09/2026)

    6/7/2026

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    2/5/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/05/2026)

    1/30/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to House Labor

    1/23/2026House

Bill Text

  • H7290 - As Introduced

    1/23/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • H7290 - Substitute

    1/23/2026

    HTMLPDF

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