CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 264(L&C) - Shopping Bags

• Prohibits retail sellers from providing disposable plastic shopping bags to customers effective January 1, 2020.

• Exempts plastic bags used for unpackaged food items (bulk grains, produce, meat, bakery goods), ice, flowers, prescription drugs, wine bottles, newspapers, and multi-packs sold as garbage or pet waste bags.

• Applies to grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores, and retail establishments with annual gross sales of $250,000 or more.

• Permits reusable bags made to withstand repeated use, with machine-washable or disinfectable material, at least four mils thick if plastic, and a minimum 75-use lifetime.

• Authorizes the department to assess administrative fines of $250 for first violation, $500 for second violation within one year, and $750 for each subsequent violation within one year.