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Bill

S 3413

Authorizes grocery stores to provide certain single-use paper carryout bags to customers.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Corrado and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill permits grocery stores to distribute single-use paper carryout bags, potentially modifying the state's existing plastic bag restrictions and environmental regulations.

Reported out of Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · S 3413

Legislative bill overview

S 3413 authorizes New Jersey grocery stores to provide single-use paper carryout bags to customers, effectively allowing an exception to existing plastic bag restrictions. The bill was introduced in 2024, referred to the Environment committee, and advanced through Senate Commerce in March 2025.

Why is this important

New Jersey has had strict regulations limiting single-use plastic bags at retail establishments. This bill signals a potential shift in state policy toward permitting paper alternatives, which affects environmental regulations, retail operations, and consumer choice. The bill's progression suggests legislative movement toward modifying existing bag restrictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental impact debate: Whether paper bags are genuinely more sustainable than existing alternatives (reusable bags, compostable options), given paper production's resource intensity and recycling complexity
  • Regulatory rollback concerns: Environmental advocates may view this as weakening New Jersey's plastic-reduction goals and existing plastic bag bans that have been in place for years
  • Implementation specificity: The bill's language about "certain" paper bags lacks clarity on which types qualify, potentially creating enforcement ambiguity for retailers and regulators

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

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