HB 20-1163 Summary

• Prohibits stores and retail food establishments from providing single-use plastic carryout bags, single-use plastic straws, single-use plastic stirrers, and expanded polystyrene food service products to customers beginning July 1, 2021.

• Allows single-use plastic straws only when provided upon customer request at stores/facilities within hospitals or independent living facilities; paper straws are preferable.

• Permits stores to provide recyclable paper carryout bags at a minimum charge of 10 cents per bag, with stores retaining the full charge unless local ordinance prohibits it.

• Authorizes the Department of Public Health and Environment executive director to enforce prohibitions and assess civil penalties of $25 for second violations and $100 for third or subsequent violations.

• Preempts local governments from enacting ordinances less stringent than the statewide restrictions; existing inventory purchased before July 1, 2021 may be used through December 31, 2021.