House passes bill to ban reusable plastic bags statewide, effective Jan. 1, 2027

The Oregon House passed Senate Bill 551 on third reading, a bill that prohibits retailers and restaurants from providing reusable plastic bags. Representative Anderson explained the bill and said it will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

Representative Anderson, the floor sponsor, said the bill “will prohibit retailers and restaurants from providing reusable plastic bags,” and that the change completes work begun by House Bill 2509 (2019), which banned commercial single‑use plastic bags but allowed reusable plastic bags. Anderson argued reusable plastic bags accumulate, retain moisture and residues and too often end up discarded.

Representative Edwards and Representative Gomberg both described economic opportunities tied to increased demand for paper products and the timber sector. Representative Edwards said the bill “has a potential to create sustained statewide demand for paper based products and that means more logs hauled, more shifts worked and more family wage jobs” in timber communities. Representative Osborne opposed the bill, citing costs to the supply chain and prior experience with a styrofoam ban that raised costs for restaurants and suppliers; he said he would be “a hard no.” Representative Anderson and supporters argued the law encourages alternatives and protects waterways and ecosystems.

SB 551 continues to allow recycled paper bags and was presented to members as a way to reduce litter and plastic pollution. After debate the clerk announced Senate Bill 551 had received the constitutional majority and was declared passed on final reading.