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SB 1872

PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION ACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Cristina Castro and 12 co-sponsors

Prohibits retail distribution of single-use checkout bags in Illinois starting Jan 1, 2029 and requires recycled paper bags to cost at least 10 cents, promoting reusable bags.

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1872

Summary — SB 1872 (Single‑Use Plastic Bag Reduction Act)

Status: Introduced March 4, 2025. Passed the Senate (3/16–4/16/2025) as amended; re‑referred to Assignments under Rule 3‑9(a) on 6/2/2025. Latest committee amendment (Senate Amendment 002, filed 3/18/2025) moves the retail prohibition effective date to January 1, 2029.

Purpose

To reduce distribution and use of single‑use plastic checkout bags in Illinois by prohibiting retail distribution of those bags, encouraging reusable bags, and establishing a minimum fee for recycled paper bags. The Act also directs education, signage, and enforcement measures and deposits penalties into the state Environmental Protection Trust Fund.

Key provisions

  • Prohibition: Retail mercantile establishments may not offer or make available a "single‑use checkout bag" at point of sale beginning January 1, 2029 (date amended from Jan. 1, 2028).
  • Alternatives allowed: Retailers may offer recycled paper bags or reusable bags.
  • Recycled paper bag fee: Retailers who offer recycled paper bags must charge at least $0.10 per bag. Fees are retained by the retailer, may be used for any lawful purpose, cannot be rebated to customers, and do not apply to bags used for purchases made with SNAP, WIC, or similar government food assistance.
  • Definitions: The bill defines key terms (e.g., "single‑use checkout bag," "reusable bag," "recycled paper bag," "retail mercantile establishment," and "small retail mercantile establishment") and lists many exclusions (bulk item bags, produce bags, bags for prescription drugs, garbage/pet waste bags sold in multi‑packs, customer‑brought bags, restaurant bags, liners affixed to a bag, newspaper/laundry/garment bags, and bags used for online/curbside packaging).
  • Signage and education: Retailers subject to the prohibition/fee must conspicuously display a sign informing customers. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) will develop and publish educational/promotional materials and a compliant sign template.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Violations may be enforced by the Attorney General or county State’s Attorney. Civil penalties (per violation within a 12‑month period) are up to $250 for a first offense, up to $500 for a second, and up to $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense. Collected penalties are deposited into the Environmental Protection Trust Fund. The Act also authorizes injunctive relief.
  • Home rule: The bill’s synopsis indicates limitations on local home‑rule authority (i.e., state preemption of local bag regulation), reflected in the introduced text.

Who is affected

  • Retail mercantile establishments (businesses that make retail sales and generate occupation/use tax), excluding restaurants and defined small retailers.
  • Consumers who will be charged a minimum $0.10 for recycled paper bags (except SNAP/WIC purchases).
  • IEPA (education, inspection/oversight role) and state enforcement officials (AG/State’s Attorneys).

Procedural notes

  • Original introduced text (2/5/2025) set the ban to start July 1, 2026; committee amendments replaced much of the bill and changed the start date to Jan. 1, 2028 (Amendment 001) and then to Jan. 1, 2029 (Amendment 002).
  • The bill passed the Senate on April 16, 2025 (reported engrossed) and was later re‑referred to Assignments (Rule 3‑9(a)) on June 2, 2025.

Sponsors

Primary: Sen. Cristina Castro. Co‑sponsors include Sens. Mike Simmons, Laura Fine, Mary Edly‑Allen, Julie A. Morrison, Lakesia Collins, Laura M. Murphy, Sara Feigenholtz, Graciela Guzmán, Laura Ellman, Karina Villa, Javier L. Cervantes, and Adriane Johnson.

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

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