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Committee delays planned plastic-bag fee increase, adopts amendment and sends litter bill to Ways and Means
Summary
The committee adopted an amendment that delays a planned increase in the plastic bag fee and added an intent section; the litter bill was passed out of committee as amended to the Ways and Means Committee.
The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee adopted an amendment to Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1293 on Thursday that delays the scheduled increase in the fee for plastic bags and adds an intent section. The bill, which also raises the penalty for littering and delays an increase in the minimum allowable thickness of plastic bags, was recommended to the Ways and Means Committee as amended.
Staff explained the bill would raise penalties for littering and postpone the increase in the minimum thickness for plastic bags; the adopted amendment delays an increase in the bag fee from 8 cents to 12 cents until 2028 and adds legislative intent language. Senator Shoemake presented the amendment for adoption.
Committee members and witnesses raised concerns about how the delayed fee and changes to bag-thickness timelines would affect recyclers, retailers and the public. One committee member noted stakeholder input from recycling groups and the retail association, saying the proposal could increase manufacturing and litter-collection costs and could add financial impacts on individuals amid budget concerns. "Plastic bags have to be like the most commonly found kind of trash that I see out there," Senator Lias said during the discussion, describing roadside and beach litter.
The amendment was adopted by voice vote and the bill as amended received a due-pass recommendation to the Ways and Means Committee "subject to signatures." The transcript records no roll-call tally.
