Bill > HB1293

This bill addresses litter and plastic waste management in Washington State by making several key changes to existing laws. The legislature recognizes that litter is a persistent environmental challenge, with single-use plastic bags being particularly problematic for public spaces, natural habitats, and wildlife. The bill enhances penalties for littering by upgrading the civil infraction for littering less than one cubic foot from a class 3 to a class 2 infraction, and it introduces additional penalties for selling thicker plastic bags. The legislation delays the requirement for reusable plastic bags to be four mils thick from 2026 to 2028, and imposes a new four-cent penalty for selling reusable bags thicker than four mils, with these penalty funds to be deposited in the waste reduction, recycling, and litter control account. The bill also modifies existing regulations around carryout bags, maintaining requirements for recycled content and reusability while providing more flexible timelines for implementation. Ultimately, the bill aims to discourage littering, reduce plastic waste, and encourage more sustainable practices by using targeted penalties and regulatory adjustments.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1293&Year=2025&Initiative=false