This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding the use of checkout bags in retail establishments. It repeals sections 9-500.38 and 11-269.16 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which currently do not affect local governments' authority to enforce business licensing laws. The bill amends section 44-1648 and introduces new regulations under a newly added section 49-119, which prohibits retail establishments from providing single-use checkout bags to customers. Instead, it allows for the provision of reusable fabric, recycled paper, and reusable plastic bags, with specific conditions for charging fees and exceptions for certain customers, such as those using vouchers from the Arizona Special Supplemental Food Program.

Additionally, 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requires a report from the Department of Environmental Quality on the act's impacts by December 31, 2032, which will be repealed after December 31, 2033.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