Bill > SB1872

This bill introduces the Single-Use Plastic Bag Reduction Act, which aims to reduce plastic waste by prohibiting retail establishments from providing single-use plastic checkout bags starting July 1, 2026. The law defines specific terms like "single-use checkout bag" and provides numerous exemptions for specialized bags (such as those used for meat, prescriptions, or online orders). Retail establishments may offer recycled paper bags or reusable bags instead, and can charge a minimum fee of $0.10 per recycled paper bag, which they can retain for their own use. The bill requires retailers to display educational signage about the bag prohibition and fee, and tasks the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency with developing promotional materials. Enforcement will involve a warning system for first-time violations, with subsequent violations incurring civil penalties of up to $100 for a second violation and up to $500 for further violations within 12 months. The bill also includes provisions limiting municipal auditing powers related to plastic bag taxes or fees, ensuring that such oversight remains a state-level function. Notably, the law exempts bags used in government food assistance programs from the fee requirements and provides detailed definitions to clarify the scope of the regulation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1872&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104