This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding the use of checkout bags in retail establishments. It would repeal sections 9-500.38 and 11-269.16 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which currently do not affect local governments' power to enforce business licensing laws. The bill introduces new regulations that prohibit retail establishments from providing single-use checkout bags, while allowing them to offer reusable fabric, recycled paper, or reusable plastic bags for a fee of $0.05 or more. Additionally, it allows for certain exceptions, such as providing reusable bags for free during promotions or to customers with specific vouchers.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that retail establishments report the fees collected and the number of bags sold or given away, and it establishes penalties for violations. Local governments are granted the authority to impose their own penalties or fees exceeding the state-mandated amount. The bill also defines various types of bags and requires the Department of Environmental Quality to submit a report on the act's impacts by December 31, 2032, with the provision that this section will be repealed after December 31, 2033. The act is set to take effect on December 31, 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-500.38, 11-269.16, 44-1648, 49-119