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LD 56

An Act To Remove The 5 Cent Fee For Bags In Retail Stores

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michael Lemelin

Maine bill to eliminate the 5-cent retail bag fee failed 20-14 in Senate vote, preserving the 2021 environmental policy requiring payment for single-use bags.

Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#containers-returnable #fees #plasticbags
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Bill Summary · LD 56

Legislative bill overview

LD 56 proposed to eliminate Maine's 5-cent fee on single-use plastic and paper bags at retail stores. The bill was introduced by Representative Michael Lemelin but failed to advance, with the Maine Senate voting 20-14 to reject it on April 10, 2025.

Why is this important

Maine implemented its bag fee in 2021 as an environmental policy to reduce plastic waste and encourage reusable bag use. This bill represents a direct challenge to that policy, with real implications for waste management practices, retail operations, and consumer costs at checkout.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental impact: Supporters of the fee argue it reduces single-use plastic consumption; opponents claim the modest fee is ineffective or burdensome to low-income shoppers
  • Retail operations: Retailers have different preferences regarding bag fee administration and its effect on customer behavior and profitability
  • Consumer choice vs. regulation: Ideological divide over whether government should incentivize sustainable behavior through fees versus allowing market choice

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

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