CA SB1053

Effective January 1, 2026, prohibits stores from providing, distributing, or selling carryout bags at the point of sale, with limited exceptions for recycled paper bags, pharmacy bags, protective bags, and garment bags.

Increases the minimum postconsumer recycled content requirement for recycled paper bags from 40% to 50%, effective January 1, 2028, and removes previous exceptions to this standard.

Repeals provisions allowing plastic film reusable grocery bags to be certified and sold as compliant bags, eliminating the plastic bag certification program and associated fees.

Defines "precheckout bags" and "compostable bags" as exceptions to the carryout bag prohibition, allowing stores to provide protective bags for purchased items and nonhandled bags before checkout.

Requires stores to provide recycled paper bags at no cost to customers using California WIC cards or electronic benefit transfer cards, while charging a minimum of $0.10 for bags sold to other customers.