Bill > S434

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to create rules that ban the use of plastic carryout bags by 2019, defining a "plastic carryout bag" as one given by a store to a customer for carrying purchased items, but excluding bags used for loose produce and compostable plastic bags that meet specific ASTM standards and are certified by a recognized entity like the Biodegradable Product Institute. The department will also be responsible for establishing regulations to ensure this ban is enforced.