MN HF3847

Requires retail establishments to charge a minimum 5-cent fee for each single-use plastic carryout bag provided to customers, effective January 1, 2021.

Exempts restaurants, florist shops, and hunger-relief organizations from charging the required fee on single-use plastic bags.

Waives the fee for customers receiving benefits from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Allows retail establishments to charge optional fees for reusable plastic bags, reusable nonplastic bags, and recycled paper bags, and permits them to retain all collected fees while endeavoring to use at least 40 percent to supply customers with reusable bags.

Establishes civil penalties of $1,000 for violations after the first offense, with the Attorney General authorized to pursue injunctive relief and accept assurances of discontinuance.