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HB 1067

Local Government - Fee for Plastic and Paper Carryout Bags - Prohibition on Charge

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Conaway

HB 1067 prohibits Maryland local governments from charging fees on plastic and paper carryout bags, overriding municipal environmental and fiscal policy authority.

Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
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Bill Summary · HB 1067

Legislative bill overview

HB 1067 prohibits local governments in Maryland from charging fees on plastic and paper carryout bags. This bill would prevent municipalities from implementing their own bag fee policies, overriding local authority to establish such environmental or revenue-generating measures.

Why is this important

Bag fees have become a popular local policy tool to reduce plastic waste and encourage reusable bag use, with several Maryland jurisdictions already implementing or considering them. This bill would eliminate that option for local governments, centralizing control over bag policy at the state level and potentially affecting waste reduction strategies and municipal revenue sources.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state preemption: Restricts municipal authority to set environmental and fiscal policies tailored to their communities' needs
  • Environmental impact: May reduce incentives for reducing single-use bag consumption and associated litter and landfill waste
  • Revenue and equity: Eliminates a revenue source some localities use for environmental programs or general operations, while affecting low-income residents who benefit from waste reduction incentives

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

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