Bill > SF1598

This bill removes a state law that previously prohibited local governments (political subdivisions) from banning merchant bags, effectively allowing cities and counties in Minnesota to create their own regulations about single-use plastic and paper bags. Specifically, the bill repeals Minnesota Statutes section 471.9998, which had two key provisions: first, guaranteeing that merchants could provide customers with paper, plastic, or reusable bags for packaging purchased items, and second, explicitly preventing any local government from imposing a ban on such bags. By repealing this statute, the bill gives local jurisdictions the power to implement their own bag regulations, such as restricting or banning certain types of bags, which they were previously prevented from doing under state law. This change allows for more local control over environmental policies related to single-use packaging.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1598&ssn=0&y=2025