Assembly Bill 782 aims to prohibit retail food business operators from serving food and beverages in foam polystyrene packaging. The bill defines "foam polystyrene packaging" and "retail food business operator," and outlines exceptions to the prohibition, including containers filled and sealed outside the state and those used for packaging raw meat, poultry, fish, or seafood for off-premises consumption. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is authorized to grant waivers for up to one year to operators facing undue hardship or practical difficulties not common among their peers.

The bill also establishes penalties for violations, stipulating that individuals who continue to serve food in foam polystyrene packaging after receiving written notice from DATCP may face fines. Specifically, a first violation could result in a forfeiture of up to $250, while subsequent violations could incur fines of $500 if they occur more than 180 days after the initial notice. The act is set to take effect on the first day of the 13th month following its publication.