HB 23-1285

House Bill 23-1285, also known as the "Store Use of Carryout Bags and Sustainable Products," changes how stores handle fees for carryout bags. Instead of sending part of these fees to local governments when no process is in place, stores must keep this money and use it for recycling programs or buying reusable bags. This bill was signed by the governor on June 1, 2023, and became effective immediately on that date. It affects all retail businesses that provide carryout bags to customers.

Official Summary

Currently, a grocery store, supermarket, convenience store, liquor store, dry cleaner, pharmacy, drug store, clothing store, or other type of retail establishment at which carryout bags are traditionally provided to customers (store) is required to collect a fee for each carryout bag the store provides to a customer. The store must remit a portion of that fee to the municipality or county (local government) in which the store is located. When the local government has not established a process to accept the remitted fees, the act requires the store to retain and use the portion of the fee that would otherwise be remitted to a local government: For any recycling, composting, or other waste diversion programs and related outreach and education activities; and To purchase reusable bags. APPROVED by Governor June 1, 2023 EFFECTIVE June 1, 2023 (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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