House Energy & Environment committee postpones repeal of 10¢ paper-bag fee after mixed testimony

The House Energy & Environment Committee on the 2025 session moved to postpone indefinitely House Bill 1051, legislation that would repeal the statewide 10¢ fee on recycled paper carryout bags established under the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act. The committee heard panels of both opponents and supporters, questioned sponsors and witnesses, and ultimately voted to postpone the bill.

The bill’s sponsors, Minority Leader Cathy Pugliese and Representative Miguel Gonzalez, framed HB1051 as a consumer-relief measure aimed at low-income households and working families. "This bill is not going back to plastic bags," Minority Leader Pugliese told the committee, saying the measure would only remove the 10¢ fee on paper bags. Representative Gonzalez said the fee "adds up over time" for families and said eliminating it would "restore choice, allowing families to decide what option best suits their needs without penalty."

Opponents — including environmental groups, municipal representatives and county advocates — urged lawmakers to keep the fee as a price signal that reduces single-use bag consumption and funds local programs. Danny Katz,…