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HB 1662

Sale and distribution of plastic carryout bags by grocery stores prohibited; civil penalty.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 7 co-sponsors

Virginia bill bans grocery stores from distributing plastic carryout bags and imposes civil penalties to reduce single-use plastic waste and environmental harm.

Left in Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1662

Legislative bill overview

HB 1662 would prohibit grocery stores in Virginia from providing or selling single-use plastic carryout bags to customers, establishing a ban on one of the most common sources of plastic waste. The bill includes civil penalties for noncompliance, though specific penalty amounts are not detailed in the title alone. This represents an expansion of plastic reduction efforts already implemented in some Virginia localities.

Why is this important

Plastic bag waste is a significant environmental concern—single-use bags frequently end up in landfills, waterways, and oceans, persisting for hundreds of years. This bill would shift consumer behavior toward reusable bags and reduce the volume of plastic waste entering Virginia's waste stream. However, it also imposes compliance costs on retailers and changes shopping practices for consumers accustomed to free bags.

Potential points of contention

  • Retail compliance burden: Grocery stores face costs to transition operations, update signage, train staff, and potentially absorb lost revenue from bag sales or processing fees
  • Consumer impact disparity: Lower-income households may be disproportionately affected if they lack reusable bags or cannot afford them, while wealthier consumers more easily absorb costs
  • Exemptions unclear: The bill title doesn't specify exemptions (medical supplies, prepared foods, produce, etc.), leaving ambiguity about practical implementation and enforcement challenges
  • Economic impact: The fiscal impact statement flagged considerations about small business viability and market competitiveness across the state

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

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