OR SB551

Eliminates "reusable plastic checkout bags" and "reusable fabric checkout bags" as permitted alternatives to single-use bags at retail establishments and restaurants in Oregon, effective January 1, 2027

Retail establishments must charge at least 5 cents for recycled paper checkout bags; restaurants may provide recycled paper bags at no cost

Exemptions from the bag fee remain for customers using WIC vouchers or electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards issued by the Department of Human Services

Local governments may only adopt checkout bag regulations with definitions and requirements identical to state law, though they may impose higher fees than the 5-cent minimum or different penalties

Certain bags remain exempt from restrictions, including bags for bulk items, frozen food, meat, fish, flowers, prescriptions, prepared foods, newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, and multi-pack bags sold for food storage or garbage