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Rhode IslandS23422026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Valarie J. Lawson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Fines, complaints, and no retaliation

Employees and consumers can file complaints with the Department of Labor and Training. Retaliation for filing a complaint is unlawful. If a store breaks the rules on multiple days, it faces a fine each day equal to one eight-hour shift at the highest hourly retail clerk wage. If a store does not fix a problem within 30 days after notice, it is an unlawful act under Rhode Island law. Employees can sue in superior court for retaliation. The department sets and enforces rules and penalties.

Limits on self-checkout at grocery stores

This law covers Rhode Island grocery stores that offer self-checkout. A store may run no more than eight self-checkout stations at one time per location. It must keep at least one staffed lane open for every two self-checkout lanes in use. No worker may watch more than two self-checkout stations at once. A worker who is monitoring self-checkout must be relieved of all other duties, including running a staffed lane.

Which grocery stores the law covers

A business counts as a grocery store if most of its gross income comes from retail grocery sales. Groceries include food and drinks for people, but not alcohol or marijuana. Drugs, personal care items, and household cleaners count only when the retailer also sells food and drinks. These definitions decide which stores must follow the self-checkout limits and staffing rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Valarie J. Lawson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jacob Bissaillon

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matthew L. LaMountain

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 188 • No: 30

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

Senate vote • 5/21/2026

RELATING LABOR/LABOR RELATIONS-- SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT ACT Approval of Amendment Passage

Yes: 32 • No: 4

Senate vote • 5/21/2026

RELATING LABOR/LABOR RELATIONS-- SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT ACT Approval of Amendment Passage

Yes: 32 • No: 4

Senate vote • 5/21/2026

RELATING LABOR/LABOR RELATIONS-- SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT ACT Passage as Amended Passage

Yes: 32 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 127

    6/18/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub B in concurrence

    6/11/2026Senate

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

    6/10/2026Senate

  5. House passed Sub B

    6/10/2026House

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

    6/9/2026House

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub B

    6/9/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/7/2026

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

    6/7/2026

  10. Referred to House Labor

    5/22/2026House

  11. Senate passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)

    5/21/2026Senate

  12. Placed on Senate Calendar (05/21/2026)

    5/15/2026Senate

  13. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    5/14/2026

  14. Proposed Substitute

    5/13/2026

  15. Scheduled for consideration (05/14/2026)

    5/8/2026

  16. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/24/2026

  17. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/24/2026)

    3/20/2026

  18. Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce

    1/30/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S2342 - As Introduced

    1/30/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2342 - Substitute

    1/30/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • S2342 - Substitute As Amended

    1/30/2026

    HTMLPDF

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