On March 5, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in opposition to HB 1412 – Business Regulation – Retail Stores – Carryout Bags.
This bill would prohibit local governments from adopting or enforcing a carryout bag fee unless it meets specific preconditions, including exemptions for certain customers and restrictions on the use of generated revenue.
This bill imposes a mandate that dictates how counties may structure their programs. While the intent to exempt vulnerable populations from additional costs is understandable, HB 1412’s rigid structure prevents local governments from designing balanced policies. Additionally, some jurisdictions retain a small portion of the fee to cover administrative overhead, ensuring proper implementation and enforcement of the program. Counties are best positioned to determine appropriate exemptions and revenue allocations based on their communities’ specific needs.
HB 1412 is a preemption of local government authority. Many counties have adopted or considered carryout bag fees as a tool to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability. These fees are tailored to community needs and have successfully supported water quality projects, litter reduction, and public outreach efforts. By imposing state-level restrictions, HB 1412 limits the ability of counties to enact policies that reflect their unique environmental and economic priorities.
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