Summary of Assembly Bill A 776 (A776A)
Overview
- Bill Number: A 776 (A776A)
- Title: Relates to the use of single-use plastic garment bags and dry cleaning bags
- Sponsor: Harvey Epstein (primary)
- Introduction Date: January 8, 2025
- Current Status: PRINT NUMBER 776A; amendments and recommitments to Consumer Affairs and Protection noted
- Legislative Actions:
- 2025-01-08: Referred to Consumer Affairs and Protection
- 2025-03-19: Amendments (T) and Recommitted to Consumer Affairs and Protection
- 2025-03-19: Print Number 776A
Note: The provided materials include a version labeled A776A, but the accompanying text/content of the bill is not readable in the excerpt, so specific sections and provisions are not available here.
Purpose and Intent (Based on Title)
The bill aims to address the use of single-use plastic garment bags and dry cleaning bags. While the exact policy design is not included in the provided text, such bills typically seek to regulate, restrict, or require alternatives to conventional single-use bags used in clothing retail and dry cleaning, with potential goals such as reducing plastic waste, promoting reusable or compostable options, and clarifying responsibilities for businesses involved.
Key Provisions (Not Available in Provided Text)
Specific statutory changes, definitions, exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, and timelines are not present in the provided materials. Readers should review the full text of A776A to understand:
- Scope: which bags and activities are covered (garment bags, dry cleaning bags, where used, and by whom)
- Requirements: bans, fees, or mandatory use of recyclable/compostable alternatives
- Exemptions: age-restricted or medical/minimally necessary uses, retailers, or localities
- Enforcement: penalties, fines, and compliance dating
- Producer or retailer responsibilities (e.g., take-back or reporting programs)
- Effective dates and transition timelines
Affected Parties
- Retailers and dry cleaners that provide garment bags
- Consumers who use or receive garment bags
- Bag manufacturers and suppliers
- Local governments and waste/recycling programs
Procedural / Timeline Highlights
- Introduced and referred to the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection
- Subsequent amendments and the “A” version (A776A) indicate ongoing refinement
- No final enactment status listed in the provided materials
Potential Implications
- Environmental: potential reduction in plastic waste and encouragement of alternatives
- Economic: changes in bag procurement costs, potential consumer fees, or program administration costs
- Compliance: new labeling, reporting, or operational requirements for retailers and dry cleaners
Next Steps for Readers
- Obtain the full text of A776A to review exact provisions, definitions, and timelines.
- Monitor Committee activity (Consumer Affairs and Protection) for votes, further amendments, and potential passage.
- Check official New York Assembly/NYS Legislature resources for updates, fiscal notes, and effective dates.
Questions to Clarify (If Available)
- Does the bill impose a ban, a fee, or a transition period for single-use garment bags and dry cleaning bags?
- Are there exemptions for certain types of bags or uses (e.g., medical, garment protection, localities)?
- What are the enforcement mechanisms and penalties?
- Is there a producer responsibility or recycling component? Any reporting requirements?
- When would any new requirements take effect?
For a precise understanding, please provide the full text of A776A or a link to the version containing the enacted provisions.
