Nikki Lucas Introduces Bill
for 10% Self-Checkout Discount

Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas Introduces Consumer Savings and Affordability Bill Giving New York Shoppers a 10% Discount for Using Self-Checkout

Bill A11501 would put money back into consumers' pockets by providing a 10% discount for shoppers using self-checkout while advancing practical solutions to New York's affordability crisis.

BROOKLYN, NY — July 15, 2026 - As New Yorkers continue to struggle with rising grocery prices and the increasing cost of everyday necessities, Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas announced Bill A11501, legislation that would provide New York shoppers with a 10% discount when they use self-checkout kiosks. Lucas' district includes East New York, Starrett City, Brownsville, and Canarsie, where rising grocery prices and the increasing cost of everyday necessities continue to strain household budgets.

The proposal is designed to deliver immediate savings to consumers while recognizing the increasingly important role shoppers now play during the checkout process. Across New York, self-checkout is no longer simply an option, it has become the primary checkout experience in many supermarkets and retail stores, with customers routinely scanning, bagging and completing transactions themselves.

Under Bill A11501, shoppers who use self-checkout would receive a 10% discount on their purchases. For working families, seniors, students and residents living on fixed incomes, those savings could add up to hundreds of dollars each year.

The legislation reflects the changing reality of today's retail environment. Businesses increasingly rely on self-checkout to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs, while consumers have assumed responsibilities that were traditionally performed by store employees. Bill A11501 recognizes that when shoppers perform part of the checkout process themselves, they should also share in the financial efficiencies created through self-service technology.

The bill would make New York one of the first states in the nation to establish a statewide consumer discount tied specifically to self-checkout purchases, positioning New York as a national leader in innovative affordability policies that return savings directly to consumers.

"Families are paying more than ever for food, household goods and everyday necessities," said Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas. "At the same time, retailers are increasingly asking customers to scan, bag and process their own purchases through self-checkout. If New Yorkers are doing part of the work, they should share in the savings. That's only fair. This bill is about fairness, affordability and recognizing the value consumers bring to today's shopping experience."

Assemblywoman Lucas emphasized that the legislation is designed to help consumers while recognizing retailers that continue to provide outstanding customer service.

"This is not about discouraging innovation," Lucas said. "Innovation should benefit everyone. Retailers benefit from greater efficiency and faster checkout operations, while customers contribute their own time and effort every time they scan, bag and complete their own purchases. A 10 percent discount is a reasonable way to recognize that partnership while helping New Yorkers save money."

Lucas also praised retailers that continue to invest in traditional cashier lanes and customer service.

"Many customers still value the personal service that only a cashier can provide," Lucas said. "While most large retailers continue to increase their self-checkout aisles, the retailers that continue to invest in their employees and maintain staffed checkout lanes should be commended. Great customer service still matters, and businesses that continue investing in people understand that providing a positive shopping experience builds lasting customer loyalty."

Assemblywoman Lucas noted that as self-checkout has expanded, traditional cashier lanes have become less common in many stores. In many locations, the remaining cashiers now spend much of their time helping customers use self-checkout systems rather than processing purchases themselves. Lucas said the legislation reflects the reality of today's shopping experience while ensuring consumers receive a tangible benefit for taking on responsibilities that have increasingly shifted from retailers to shoppers.

"As technology transforms the way we shop, government has a responsibility to make sure consumers are not left behind," Lucas said. "Every day I hear from families in East New York, Starrett City, Brownsville and throughout the 60th Assembly District who are struggling with the rising cost of groceries and everyday necessities. The challenges facing my district are the same challenges facing working families across New York and in cities throughout America. Everyone is talking about affordability. It's time we stop talking about it and start creating real solutions that people can actually feel at the checkout counter, in their household budgets and in their daily lives. This bill is the first of many affordability solutions I intend to introduce because New Yorkers deserve more than promises, they deserve policies that put money back into their pockets."

Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas said Bill A11501 marks the beginning of a broader legislative effort focused on lowering the cost of everyday living and delivering practical affordability solutions for working families, seniors, homeowners, renters, students and small businesses throughout New York.

"For me, affordability isn't a slogan, it's a responsibility," Lucas said. "Every proposal I introduce will be measured by one question: Will it make life more affordable for everyday New Yorkers? If the answer is yes, then it's worth fighting for."

About Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas

Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas represents New York's 60th Assembly District in Brooklyn, representing the communities of East New York, Starrett City, Canarsie and Brownsville. A lifelong advocate for working families, seniors and economic opportunity, she has built a legislative record focused on consumer protection, public safety, affordability, healthcare access and policies that improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

SOURCE: Office of NY Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas