Technology; Safe Stores are Staffed Stores Act; self-service checkouts; drug retail; food retail; effective date.

HB 3960, the "Safe Stores are Staffed Stores Act," requires drug and large food retail stores (over 15,000 sq ft or 85,000 sq ft with 10% food space) with self-service checkouts to maintain at least one employee for every four kiosks during operation. It bans self-checkout for items needing ID (like alcohol/tobacco) or tagged items (e.g., with electronic tags), mandates clear signage about customer rights, and requires dedicated staff to monitor checkouts without other duties. Violations carry civil penalties of $100 per employee per day (capped at $1,000 daily), plus attorney fees. The law prohibits retaliation against employees enforcing these rules and takes effect November 1, 2026.