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HD 107

An Act authorizing the town of Acton to establish a minimum charge for a checkout bag

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Simon Cataldo and 1 co-sponsor

Acton may require a minimum $0.15 per checkout bag charge to cut bag use; retailers keep the proceeds, with the Board of Health setting details.

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Bill Summary · HD 107

Summary: Bill HD 107 — An Act authorizing the town of Acton to establish a minimum charge for a checkout bag

Purpose

This local bill would authorize the Town of Acton to establish a minimum charge for checkout bags provided by retail establishments within Acton. The intent is to reduce bag usage and promote sustainability by encouraging customers to bring their own bags, while delegating the specifics to local health authorities.

Key provisions

  • Minimum bag charge: Retail establishments in Acton would be required to charge at least $0.15 per checkout bag. The actual amount would be set by regulations to be issued by the Acton Board of Health.
  • Revenue handling: All money collected from the bag charge would be retained by the retail establishment (i.e., not transmitted to the town or a state fund).
  • Receipt display: The bag charge must be separately itemized on the customer’s receipt and labeled as the “checkout bag charge.”
  • Definitions:
    • Checkout Bag: A bag provided at the point of sale, with several exclusions described below.
    • Retail Establishment: Any business facility selling goods to consumers, including grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, convenience stores, seasonal or temporary businesses, etc.
  • Coverage: Applies to any retail establishment in Acton that makes checkout bags available to customers.

Definitions and exclusions (selected highlights)

  • A checkout bag is defined broadly, but several types of bags are specifically excluded from being counted as “checkout bags” for the purposes of this act, including bags used for:
    • Prescription medications
    • Produce, bakery items, and other food items to keep items fresh or unsoiled
    • Protecting frozen foods or liquids, wet or leaky items
    • Protecting clothing on a hanger, or small items from loss
    • Items requiring special bags by federal/state law
    • Bags containing or used with harmful chemicals or other items that could contaminate or damage items

(Definitions are provided in the bill and govern what counts as a “checkout bag.”)

Implementation and oversight

  • Regulatory authority: The Acton Board of Health would promulgate regulations and the Health Agent (or designee) would oversee the act and its regulations.
  • Rules and amendments: The Acton Board of Health may adopt and amend rules to effectuate the act’s purposes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Local approval: The bill is designed as a local option; local approval is indicated as part of its path through the General Court.
  • Effective date: If enacted, the act would take effect three months after passage.
  • Severability: Provisions are severable; if any part is invalid, the rest remains in effect.
  • Status note: The bill is filed as House Docket No. 4167 (House No. 4167) with a history indicating local approval processes; a similar measure was previously filed (2023-2024).

Potential impact

  • Encourages reuse of bags and reduces single-use bag waste in Acton.
  • Shifts some consumer cost to shoppers for checkout bags, with revenue staying with retailers.
  • Local Board of Health would shape specifics through regulations, allowing adjustments without statewide action.
  • Broad applicability to retail establishments in Acton, with explicit exemptions intended to prevent unintended consequences for certain goods and services.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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