Bill
S 543
Massachusetts S.543 bans automatic issuance of single-use plastic straws; eateries must offer straws only on request or via self-service dispenser, with DEP enforcement.
Status snapshot
- Bill Number: S 543 (Senate docket No. 1460)
- Introduced: February 12, 2025 (filed 01/16/2025)
- Committee referrals / actions: Read twice and referred to committee; referred to Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and Environment and Natural Resources; hearing scheduled 05/06/2025; accompanied a new draft S2541 (06/23/2025). Listed as REFERRED TO BUDGET AND REVENUE.
- Primary sponsor in docket: Michael J. Barrett. (Record also lists additional sponsors; see official legislative record for sponsor details.)
- Effective date if enacted: January 2, 2027
Purpose and intent
- To reduce disposable plastic straw waste by limiting when food service establishments may provide single‑use plastic straws to consumers.
Key provisions
- New Section 6C is added to Chapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws. It:
- Defines key terms including “biodegradable materials,” “consumer,” “department” (Department of Environmental Protection), “food service establishment,” “single‑use plastic straw,” and “reusable straw.”
- Notably, “biodegradable materials” are limited to compostable materials such as wood, paper, bagasse, or other cellulose fiber composites; biologically based polymers that do not reliably biodegrade in aquatic environments are excluded.
- “Single‑use plastic straw” is defined as a disposable straw made from petroleum‑based plastics or non‑biodegradable biological polymers; reusable or biodegradable straws (as defined) are excluded from that term.
- Prohibits food service establishments from providing single‑use plastic straws to a consumer unless:
- the straw is requested by the consumer, or
- the consumer selects the straw from a self‑service dispenser.
- Directs the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate enforcement regulations for the section.
Who would be affected
- Food service establishments across the Commonwealth (full‑service restaurants, fast food, food trucks, self‑service establishments, etc.) would need to change when/ how they distribute single‑use plastic straws.
- Consumers would need to request or self‑select plastic straws rather than receive them automatically.
- Suppliers of alternative straw materials (biodegradable or reusable) may see increased demand.
- The Department of Environmental Protection would take on rulemaking and enforcement responsibilities.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Environmental: expected reduction in single‑use plastic straw litter and related marine/aquatic impacts, particularly if replaced by compostable or reusable alternatives.
- Operational/compliance: businesses may need to train staff, change point‑of‑sale procedures, and possibly invest in alternative straw stock or self‑service dispensers.
- Enforcement: specifics (penalties, inspection protocols) are to be set by DEP regulations; those details will affect enforcement burden and business compliance costs.
- Ambiguities to monitor: how the DEP defines and enforces “biodegradable” in rulemaking and how exemptions (e.g., for medical necessity or accessibility) are handled — the bill text as provided does not specify medical or disability exceptions.
For full text and legislative history consult the official Massachusetts legislative website and the Department of Environmental Protection for forthcoming regulations if the bill advances.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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