An Act restricting distribution of single-use plastic straws

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Rogers

Requires customers to request a single-use plastic straw; establishments may not provide straws unless asked, aiming to cut straw waste.

Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1

Bill Summary – H.1034: An Act restricting distribution of single-use plastic straws

Overview

H.1034, introduced February 27, 2025, proposes to restrict the distribution of single-use plastic straws by requiring customers to request a straw. The bill inserts a new section (Section 6C) into Chapter 140 of the General Laws and defines the scope, terms, and penalties. A hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2025, in room A-1. The bill is the latest version of a measure previously filed in a prior session (House No. 887, 2023-2024).

Purpose and intent

To reduce the distribution of single-use plastic straws in food establishments, aligning with environmental and waste-reduction objectives.

Place the decision to provide a straw with the customer, not the establishment, except upon explicit request.

Key provisions

Inserted new section: Section 6C (amending Chapter 140, after section 6B).

Definitions:

“Food establishment”: any operation that stores, prepares, packages, serves, vends, or otherwise provides food for human consumption, including entities requiring a State Food Code permit.
“Single-use plastic straw”: disposable straw predominantly plastic (petroleum-derived or plant-based polymers). Excludes straws made from non-plastic materials (e.g., paper, pasta, sugar cane, wood, bamboo).

Prohibition: A food establishment shall not provide a single-use plastic straw to a customer unless requested by the customer.

Enforcement and penalties:

First violation: written warning from the relevant licensing authority.
Second or subsequent violations: a fine of $25 per day of violation, up to a maximum of $300 per year.

Scope and applicability

Applies to all “food establishments” as defined in the bill. This includes any operation that serves or provides food and may include those regulated under the State Food Code.

The measure does not establish exemptions within the text provided; penalties apply per day of violation.

Legislative action and status

Filed: January 16, 2025; House Docket No. 2878; House No. 1034.

Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (February 27, 2025).

Hearing scheduled: May 6, 2025, 1:00–5:00 PM, in room A-1.

Related: Similar matter previously filed (House No. 887, 2023-2024); HD 2878 is referenced as part of the bill’s version history.

Potential impacts

Establishments would need to modify service protocols to ensure straws are provided only upon request.

Administrative burden shifted to licensing authorities for warnings and penalties.

Potential reductions in single-use plastic straw waste and related environmental benefits.

No explicit accessibility accommodations or exemptions are listed in the text provided; stakeholders may seek clarifications during the hearing.

This summary captures the bill’s core purpose, provisions, affected parties, and procedural timeline based on the available text and docket information.