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HB 1764

Disposable plastic bag tax; distribution to towns.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 2 co-sponsors

Virginia's failed plastic bag tax would have charged consumers per bag and distributed revenue to towns, but the Governor vetoed it and the veto was upheld.

House sustained Governor's veto
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1764

Legislative bill overview

HB 1764 would have imposed a tax on disposable plastic bags in Virginia, with revenue collected distributed to towns and municipalities. The bill passed through the legislative process but was vetoed by the Governor in March 2025, and that veto was sustained by the House on April 2, 2025.

Why is this important

Plastic bag taxes are environmental policy tools designed to reduce single-use plastic consumption and associated litter and landfill waste. The revenue distribution mechanism would have created a direct fiscal incentive for local governments to support the policy, though this also represents a new tax on consumers and retailers.

Potential points of contention

  • Consumer cost impact: Disposable bag taxes increase costs at point of purchase, affecting low-income shoppers disproportionately unless exemptions were included
  • Retail burden: Businesses must implement systems to track, collect, and remit the tax, creating compliance costs
  • Environmental effectiveness vs. economic tradeoff: While reducing plastic bag use, critics question whether a tax is the most efficient solution compared to outright bans or incentivizing reusable alternatives
  • Local government dependency: Revenue distribution could create municipal reliance on a consumption tax that fluctuates with behavior change
  • Governor's veto rationale: The sustained veto suggests concerns about the policy approach, though specific objections aren't detailed in the timeline provided

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

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