As you stroll through the aisles of your local Walmart, filling your cart with essentials and perhaps a few treats, you might be preparing for the usual routine at the checkout.

But for Washington State residents, that routine could be facing a significant shake-up.

A proposed bill is stirring the pot, threatening to transform the self-checkout experience and potentially hit retailers with hefty fines if they don't comply.

Washington State's lawmakers are not just browsing the legislative aisles–they're filling their legislative cart with a bill that could redefine the self-checkout landscape.

The bill, which is currently under debate, aims to regulate the use of self-checkout systems in grocery stores, particularly those exceeding 15,000 square feet. It recently had its first public hearing last February 12, 2025.

This includes many of the major retailers we know and frequent, such as Walmart, Safeway, and ALDI. Bulk good stores that have memberships like Costco would be exempt.

Washington State is debating a bill that could require changes to Walmart's self-checkout processes, with potential fines for non-compliance. Image source: CNBC / Youtube.

The proposed legislation is not just a light suggestion. If it passes as is, the bill will request stores to implement at least one staffed checkout lane when self-checkouts are open. Stores would also be asked to assign one attendant for every two self-checkout stations in the store.

Stores that fail to adhere to the new rules could face fines of $100 per day, with a cap at $10,000. That's no small change, even for the big players in the retail game.

Washington is the latest state to consider regulating self-checkout systems. As these kiosks become more common, states are grappling with their impact—frustrated customers, potential staffing reductions, and broader changes in grocery store operations.

Furthermore, the bill proposes a 15-item purchase limit for self-checkout transactions. This could mean rethinking your shopping strategy if you're used to ringing up a cartful of goods at the self-service kiosks.

The push for regulation is not unique to Washington. States across the country, including California, Connecticut, Illinois, and Rhode Island, are grappling with the rise of self-checkout systems.

These machines have grown in popularity, with around 40%of all registers now being self-service, according to Capital One.

The bill suggests implementing at least one staffed checkout lane and one attendant for every two self-checkout stations when they're open, with a 15-item purchase limit on self-checkouts. Image source: CNBC / Youtube.

In fact, more than 95% of Americans have reported using self-checkout in the past year, with approximately 73% percent expressing a preference for these machines over manned registers.

Retailers have embraced self-checkout for its efficiency, claiming that transactions are sped up by 30% and customer wait times are reduced.

They also argue that these systems make employees more efficient and better integrate customer loyalty programs.

However, the self-checkout revolution is not without its critics. Concerns have been raised about the potential for increased retail crime, with around 15% of respondents in a Capital One survey admitting to using self-checkout systems to steal from stores.

You might like: This woman's sneaky self-checkout trick got her banned from every Walmart—learn what NOT to do!

Additionally, there have been instances of skimmer systems being found in self-checkout card readers, prompting warnings to customers.

Lawmakers are also worried about the impact on jobs, fearing that the machines could contribute to job losses in the retail industry.

Source: NBC News / Youtube.​

In response to the mixed reception of self-checkout systems, Walmart has experimented with their approach.

Last year, two stores—one in Shrewsbury, Missouri, and another in Cleveland, Ohio—temporarily replaced all self-checkout kiosks with staffed checkout lanes.

The goal was to “provide more personalized and efficient service” and give associates a chance to engage more directly with customers.

Also read: Experts are baffled as America's top supermarket ditches self-checkouts – Find out the real reason why they're doing it!

Key Takeaways

• Washington State is debating a bill that could require changes to Walmart's self-checkout processes, with potential fines for non-compliance.
• The bill suggests implementing at least one staffed checkout lane and one attendant for every two self-checkout stations when they're open, with a 15-item purchase limit on self-checkouts.
• Retailers like Walmart and other grocery stores over 15,000 square feet could be affected, while bulk goods stores with memberships would be exempt.
• Despite the popularity of self-checkout stations, there are concerns about their contribution to retail crime and job losses, leading to legislative efforts to regulate their use.

How do you feel about self-checkout systems? Do you prefer the convenience, or do you miss the personal touch of a cashier? Have you experienced any issues with self-service kiosks? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

 

[Levamssg]

I prefer self check out! I want items put in bags in the order I want it. Not thrown in haphazard by someone who doesn’t care. It’s absurd to force people to go through a manned check out line. Self check out is efficient and saves time. For those people that want someone else handling the products, they chose and throwing them in a bag and whatever order, they choose fine let them do that. But for those of us that want it done, our way, efficiently and easily, let us do it our way. Both options should be available.

 

[Emme]

I think it's a good idea, except one time I was using the self check out and before I finished a woman put her item on mine. There's was no employee who saw this. Of course I flagged down an employee and explained what happened. The employee credited her purchase off my ticket. Now I am more careful.

 

[tb8462]

i use self checkoff exclusively if available. stores should be left to police themselves. if they become concerned with shop lifting, they will address it. this bill will only add to expenses.

 

[trbtm2]

I don't care much for the self checkouts unless I have only one or two items and am in a hurry. That doesn't happen often, so i wouldn't care if they took them all out. Put people back to work!!!!

 

[violetmoon]

I REFUSE to use them. I am not paid to be a cashier. There have been many problems associated with them including some people being arrested for theft that did not happen. It may take a little longer to wait for a cashier, but well worth it. I feel I am saving a job for some cashier if I refuse to do it myself.

 

[Michelle Engbino]

I prefer self check out! I want items put in bags in the order I want it. Not thrown in haphazard by someone who doesn’t care. It’s absurd to force people to go through a manned check out line. Self check out is efficient and saves time. For those people that want someone else handling the products, they chose and throwing them in a bag and whatever order, they choose fine let them do that. But for those of us that want it done, our way, efficiently and easily, let us do it our way. Both options should be available.

Glad to hear your thoughts on this, @Levamssg! This seems like a very balanced take that caters to all preferences.

 

[Michelle Engbino]

I REFUSE to use them. I am not paid to be a cashier. There have been many problems associated with them including some people being arrested for theft that did not happen. It may take a little longer to wait for a cashier, but well worth it. I feel I am saving a job for some cashier if I refuse to do it myself.

@violetmoon hi! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I get why some people prefer cashier checkouts—human interaction, fewer errors, and supporting jobs are important factors. Others like self-checkout for speed and control. Having both options would let everyone shop the way they prefer. What do you think stores should do to balance convenience and jobs?

 

[Michelle Engbino]

I don't care much for the self checkouts unless I have only one or two items and am in a hurry. That doesn't happen often, so i wouldn't care if they took them all out. Put people back to work!!!!

Hi, @trbtm2! That makes sense. Self-checkout can be convenient for quick trips, but many prefer cashiers for larger purchases. Finding the right balance between technology and keeping jobs is important. How do you think stores should handle this?

 

[Michelle Engbino]

I think it's a good idea, except one time I was using the self check out and before I finished a woman put her item on mine. There's was no employee who saw this. Of course I flagged down an employee and explained what happened. The employee credited her purchase off my ticket. Now I am more careful.

@Emme That’s a good point! Self-checkout can be convenient, but situations like that can happen if employees aren’t paying close attention. It’s great that you caught it and got it fixed! Do you think stores should have more staff monitoring self-checkout to prevent issues like this?

 

[Michelle Engbino]

i use self checkoff exclusively if available. stores should be left to police themselves. if they become concerned with shop lifting, they will address it. this bill will only add to expenses.

Hi, @tb8462! Glad to know you find some self-checkout. Businesses do have a strong incentive to handle theft on their own, but some argue that new policies could help. Do you think stores are doing enough to prevent losses without extra regulations?