The Baltimore Sun has compiled 10 climate bills to watch this year, including the Plastic Bag Reduction Act

Bill numbers: SB233/HB314

Starting on July 1, 2022, this bill would prohibit retail establishments from providing customers with plastic carryout bags. It wouldn’t include plastic bags used to package fruits, vegetables, meat, ice, newspapers, dry-cleaned clothes, live animals such as fish or prescription drugs.

Retailers could receive a fine up to $500 for violating the law, but only if they’re issued a written notice of violation and don’t fix the problem within three months.

The Maryland Retailers Association has spoken out against the bill.

“Due to the national paper bag shortage and other supply chain disruptions, bag costs have skyrocketed,” wrote association president Cailey Locklair in a statement. “Maryland’s plastic bag ban will impose massive financial burdens on retailers just as they try to recover from the economic crisis.”

This bill has reached the House floor, and is in committee in the Senate.

Click here to review the full list of bills to watch from the Baltimore Sun!