Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits single-use plastic shopping bags at retail shops across Massachusetts.

Highlights:

• Prohibits single-use plastic shopping bags at retail shops in Massachusetts (Sec. 1-6).

• Requires that retailers charge customers 10 cents for a paper bag with half of the fee being set aside for environmental protection measures across the state (Sec. 1-6).

• Requires restaurants to include plastic utensils in take-out orders only upon request (Sec. 1-6).

• Exempts the following situations from the aforementioned plastic restrictions, including (Sec. 1-6):

• Purchases of raw fish or meat;

• Certain clothing items; and 

• When picking up prescriptions at a pharmacy.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect January 1, 2025 (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text