Overview
- The environmental bond bill advancing in the Senate would prohibit single-use plastic carry-out bags statewide and require at least a 10-cent charge for recycled paper bags, with half of each fee deposited in a new state plastics fund.
- Senate leaders placed the policy inside a $3.64 billion package for environmental projects, and the measure is set for a floor debate before moving to the House.
- Lawmakers backing the change say about two-thirds of Massachusetts communities already restrict plastic bags, so a uniform rule would ease confusion for shoppers and stores.
- The Retailers Association of Massachusetts argued the mandate and fees would strain small shops and push customers away, while several shoppers interviewed voiced support to cut plastic waste.
- Beyond the bag policy, the bill steers money to climate resilience, clean water, dams, coastal infrastructure, state parks, trails, tree-planting and a geothermal pilot program.