The "Single-Use Plastic Bag Act" is a new legislative measure aimed at reducing environmental impact by prohibiting retail establishments from providing single-use plastic bags for carrying goods. The act defines key terms such as "carryout bag," "retail establishment," and "single-use plastic bag," and outlines specific exceptions where single-use plastic bags may still be used, such as for loose produce, takeout food, and certain medical necessities. Retailers are allowed to provide recycled content paper bags, but only if customers pay a fee of at least ten cents per bag, with provisions for fee collection and remittance to municipalities or the department of environment.

The act also establishes enforcement mechanisms, allowing municipalities or counties to impose civil penalties for violations, with escalating fines for repeated offenses. It allows for local regulations that are more stringent than the state law and sets an effective date for the act to begin on January 1, 2026. The department of environment is tasked with implementing rules and overseeing compliance, while fees collected from recycled content paper bags will be directed towards waste reduction programs.