Support SB 1446 and Help Protect Retail and Drug Store Employees

Senate Bill 1446, authored by California State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-28) will protect workers and the public by ensuring safe staffing levels at grocery and drug-retail stores and regulating self-checkout machines. It will put in place guardrails to prevent worker displacement and harm to workers and the public when retail employers adopt new AI-enabled check-out technology, ensuring safe introduction of technology in the workplace. SB 1446 tackles the retail theft issue and protects workers without further criminalizing Californians and reforming Proposition 47.

SB 1446 was heard yesterday in the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement and passed through the committee by a 4-1 vote. Next step is a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee before heading to the Senate floor. We encourage our supporters and advocates to use the SB 1446 social media toolkit for downloadable graphics and sample posts/tweets to express their support for this important piece of legislation.

Sample posts/tweets:

• Ensuring stores are adequately staffed will protect workers, prevent retail theft, and improve the customer experience. That's why #SB1446 is a win for our communities. @LolaForSenate

• One study found that self-checkout machines generated a loss rate more than 2X the industry average. #SB1446 will increase staffing and oversight at self-checkout machines, preventing theft and promoting safety. @LolaForSenate

• Higher staffing levels can help stop retail theft before it happens. #SB1446 ensures automation and self-checkout technology don't replace critical workers in our communities. @LolaForSenate

Link to social media toolkit --->> SB 1446 (Smallwood-Cuevas) Social Media Toolkit

Felony Murder Elimination Project is deeply grateful for the support of our advocates and followers and the actions they take to demonstrate their support for the projects and policies we endeavor in creating a fairer and more just criminal justice system. We are confident that same advocacy is there to support the rights and safety of workers and their communities. As always, we thank you for your tireless work and support!