Bill > S1350

This bill establishes an excise tax on the use of plastic carryout bags by certain stores, defined as retail establishments that grossed over $1,000,000 in the previous tax year. The excise tax, collected by the commissioner of revenue, starts at 2 cents per plastic carryout bag and gradually increases to 15 cents per bag over several years, with specific effective dates for each increase. The bill exempts customers from this tax when using their own bags, paper bags, requesting no plastic bags, using compostable plastic bags that meet ASTM standards, or using reusable bags made of cloth or durable plastic at least 2.25 mils thick. Revenue generated from this excise tax will be split, with 50% returned to the stores to fund recycling initiatives and customer education, and the remaining 50% credited to the Commonwealth for related recycling and solid waste management purposes. Additionally, the bill allows for a tax deduction of up to $100 for the purchase of reusable bags.