summary
Introduced
03/18/2025
03/18/2025
In Committee
03/18/2025
03/18/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill amends the law banning the use of single-use plastic carry-out bags at retail establishments to clarify the scope of that law by incorporating new definitions for "recycled paper carry-out bag," "reusable fabric carry-out bag" and "reusable plastic carry- out bag." It also amends related definitions and makes other associated technical changes, including amending the definition of "point of sale" to provide that the law's prohibitions and other provisions apply to bags provided to a customer at self-service check-out kiosks, at in-store or curbside pickup locations and at any other location, including a customer's home, at which purchased merchandise is delivered or otherwise transferred to the customer. The bill also increases from 5 cents to 10 cents the fee that a retail establishment must charge for each recycled paper carry-out bag or reusable plastic carry-out bag used to bag products at the point of sale. These changes to the law banning the use of single-use plastic carry-out bags at retail establishments are effective January 1, 2026.
AI Summary
This bill amends the existing law banning single-use carry-out bags by expanding and clarifying definitions related to bags used in retail establishments. It introduces new definitions for "carry-out bag," which now includes single-use, recycled paper, reusable fabric, and reusable plastic bags, and expands the definition of "point of sale" to cover not just traditional checkout areas but also self-service kiosks, in-store and curbside pickup locations, and even delivery to a customer's home. The bill increases the fee for recycled paper and reusable plastic carry-out bags from 5 cents to 10 cents, which retail establishments must charge and retain. It also establishes more specific requirements for reusable fabric and plastic bags, such as mandating they be machine washable, capable of carrying at least 18 pounds, and designed to withstand a minimum of 125 uses. The bill maintains the state's preemption of local regulations on carry-out bags and sets the effective date for these changes as January 1, 2026, giving retailers ample time to adapt to the new requirements.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310, Apr 8, 2025 (on 04/08/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1122&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0741&item=1&snum=132 |
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