Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Soon, I plan to introduce legislation that will impose a nominal fee per carryout plastic bag, provided by a PA State Liquor Store to a consumer at the point of sale. The legislation will too establish a ban on single-use plastic bags at PA State Liquor Stores. 

Due to the General Assembly’s imposed delay on implementation of any current plastic bag bans by Commonwealth municipalities, such as those passed in Philadelphia, West Chester and Narberth, until at least July 1, 2021 this legislation seeks to establish a pilot program for similar policy implementation.  

Plastic bags, especially single-use bags, pollute our water ways and clog our municipal stormwater and sewer systems. Meanwhile, manufacturers and retail establishments have created no widely accessible means for sustainable recycling of these single-use products. Therefore, to improve the health of our waterways and environment it is imperative that we implement policies that will curb the use and littering of these plastic bags.

As of 2019 nearly 600 PA State Liquor Stores served the residents of the Commonwealth, with nearly 66.4 million sales transactions (Per the FY 18/19 Annual Report). Funds collected from the fee on carryout plastic bags, bags thicker than 2.25mils, will be dedicated toward efforts that will support plastic bag recycling programs and environmental preservation efforts. 

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, which may create a framework for future statewide efforts. If you have any questions about this proposal, please contact my legislative director Jesse Monoski, 717-787-9608 or jesse.monoski@pasenate.com .