Bill > HB1547

This bill proposes the Retail Establishment Bag Prohibition Act, which aims to reduce plastic waste by prohibiting single-use plastic bags in retail establishments across Pennsylvania. The bill defines single-use plastic bags as bags made through a blown-film extrusion process and covers a wide range of retail locations including supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and food trucks. Retail establishments will be prohibited from providing single-use plastic bags or non-recycled paper bags to customers, with some exemptions for specific uses like packaging bulk items, meats, or medications. Retailers may offer recycled paper bags (containing at least 40% postconsumer recycled content) for a fee between 10 and 25 cents per bag, and they can retain the revenue from these charges. The bill requires retail establishments to post signage explaining the bag prohibition from the effective date until January 31, 2027, and provides an exemption for purchases made using WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) food instruments. The Department of Community and Economic Development will be responsible for developing public education plans, creating implementation guidelines, and promulgating regulations. The act will take effect one year after its passage, giving businesses time to prepare for the new requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1547