AWC supported the plastic bag ban bill when it was introduced last session. The bill has returned and has repassed the Senate.

SB 5323, sponsored by Sen. Mona Das (D–Tacoma), almost made it to the finish line last year. When it was reintroduced this year, it had to start back on the Senate floor. It has now passed the Senate this session and is scheduled for a hearing in the House.

The bill was amended in the Senate last session and remains unchanged. Here is a summary, noting the dates have not yet been amended:

• Prohibits a retailer from providing a customer a single-use plastic bag; nor a paper bag or reusable plastic bag that does not meet recycled content requirements.
• Requires a retailer to collect a pass-through charge of $0.08 for each recycled content large paper or plastic carryout bag provided.
• Preempts local carryout bag ordinances starting in 2020, except for ordinances establishing a $0.10 pass-through charge in effect as of January 1, 2019.
• Specifies recycled content requirements for paper and plastic bags.

We have not heard from any cities that are concerned about the consolidation of plastic bag policy at the state level. Please let us know if that is the case for your city.

Dates to remember

SB 5323 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Environment & Energy Committee at 8 am on Thursday, February 20.