2SSB 5965
In CommitteeSenate
Retail bags
Reducing environmental impacts associated with bags provided to customers at retail establishments.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This law bans most single-use plastic and thin reusable film plastic bags in Washington starting in 2028, requires a 20-cent charge for paper bags (exempting people on food assistance), and sets strict requirements for reusable and paper bags. It also prevents cities and counties from passing new bag rules after the law takes effect.
- Ban on single-use plastic carryout bags and reusable bags made of film plastic (thin plastic) starting January 1, 2028.
- Require a 20-cent pass-through charge on compliant paper carryout bags (starting in 2026), with exemptions for customers using WIC, SNAP, or other state assistance programs.
- Require paper bags to contain at least 40% postconsumer recycled content or nonwood renewable fiber (e.g., wheat straw) and be compostable; reusable film plastic bags must meet durability, washability, and recycled-content standards.
- Prohibit local governments from passing new bag regulations after this law takes effect, though some pre-2021 local ordinances remain in effect temporarily.
- Require third-party platforms (e.g., food delivery apps) to display and collect pass-through charges for bags in online orders.
Who is affected
- Retail establishments — Retail establishments (including grocery stores, pharmacies, farmers markets, and online platforms) must stop providing single-use plastic and thin reusable film plastic bags, charge customers 20 cents for paper bags (as of 2026), and ensure all bags meet content and labeling requirements.
- Shoppers and consumers — Customers must pay a 20-cent pass-through charge for paper bags (starting in 2026), though those using WIC, SNAP, or other state-administered assistance programs are exempt from the charge.
- Paper bag manufacturers — Paper bag manufacturers may benefit from state-prioritized permitting to expand production capacity to meet expected increased demand following the plastic bag ban.
- Local governments — Local governments lose authority to pass new bag rules after this law takes effect, though some pre-2021 local ordinances remain in effect temporarily.
- Food banks and food assistance programs — Food banks and food assistance programs are exempt from bag rules but are encouraged to reduce plastic bag use.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
The ban on single-use plastic and thin reusable film bags will significantly reduce plastic litter in waterways, roads, and marine environments—where plastic bags are a top pollutant—and decrease microplastic contamination in ecosystems. This directly benefits public health, wildlife, and water quality across Washington, especially in Puget Sound and rural waterways where cleanup is costly and ineffective.
EnvironmentPeopleRef: RCW 70A.530.020(2)(a)Exemptions for WIC, SNAP, and state-administered assistance program users prevent the 20-cent bag charge from imposing a financial burden on the most vulnerable populations, ensuring equity in the policy’s implementation and protecting food security access for low-income families.
FinancialPeopleRef: RCW 70A.530.030(2)The bill prioritizes expedited permitting for paper bag manufacturing expansion, which could create local jobs in Washington’s pulp and paper industry—particularly in rural communities where such facilities are major employers—while supporting a domestic supply chain to meet demand post-ban.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: RCW 70A.530.040(1)Requiring paper bags to be compostable and contain at least 40% postconsumer recycled content or wheat straw fiber supports circular economy goals and reduces reliance on virgin wood pulp, lowering the environmental footprint of packaging compared to standard paper bags.
EnvironmentPeopleRef: RCW 70A.530.020(5)(a)(ii)Mandating third-party platforms (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats) to collect pass-through charges for bags ensures consistent revenue flow and reduces administrative burden on small restaurants and retailers that rely on delivery apps—leveling the playing field and supporting fair enforcement across sales channels.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: RCW 70A.530.020(2)(d)
Potential Concerns (5)
The 20-cent pass-through charge on paper bags will increase out-of-pocket costs for shoppers who rely on bags at checkout, especially low- and middle-income households who may not have reusable bags or access to exemptions; although SNAP/WIC recipients are exempt, many other struggling households (e.g., unemployed, underemployed, or earning just above eligibility thresholds) will bear the cost. Over a year, a typical household making weekly grocery trips could face $10–$20 in added costs, which is regressive in nature.
FinancialPeopleRef: RCW 70A.530.020(2)(a)The preemption clause bars local governments from enacting new bag regulations after the law takes effect, eliminating their ability to tailor policies to local environmental needs (e.g., coastal communities seeking stricter rules to protect marine ecosystems) or respond to unforeseen consequences (e.g., surge in reusable bag contamination or supply chain issues). This reduces local democratic control over environmental policy.
Local GovernmentPeopleRef: RCW 70A.530.040(5)(a)While paper bags are compostable, the requirement that they contain only 40% postconsumer recycled content or wheat straw fiber may still rely on resource-intensive pulp production and could increase deforestation or land-use pressure if demand surges—especially since the bill does not cap total paper bag usage or incentivize reuse beyond the initial purchase. The environmental benefit is uncertain without metrics tracking actual bag lifecycle and diversion from landfill.
EnvironmentLean peopleRef: RCW 70A.530.020(5)(a)(ii)Small retailers and farmers markets may face compliance costs (e.g., purchasing compliant bags, updating POS systems to track pass-through charges, training staff) that disproportionately burden small operators with thin margins, especially during the 2026–2027 transition period before the full ban. While larger chains can absorb costs, smaller vendors may raise prices or reduce services to compensate.
Business & EmploymentLean peopleRef: RCW 70A.530.020(2)(a)The enforcement mechanism relies primarily on complaints and local governments, which may lack resources for consistent oversight—especially in rural counties—potentially leading to uneven compliance and reduced effectiveness. Without proactive inspection capacity, violations (e.g., non-compliant bags, failure to collect pass-through charges) may go unaddressed, undermining the law’s goals.
Public SafetyLean peopleRef: RCW 70A.530.040(2)
Who Is Most Affected
Low- and moderate-income shoppers benefit from SNAP/WIC exemptions but face recurring $20/year costs if they lack reusable bags; overall impact is negative due to regressive cost burden on vulnerable groups.
Large retailers (e.g., Fred Meyer, Target) can absorb compliance costs and benefit from standardized rules across the state; small retailers and farmers market vendors face disproportionate compliance burdens and may raise prices or reduce services.
Paper bag manufacturers stand to gain from increased demand and state-prioritized permitting; however, they must meet strict recycled-content and compostability standards, which may raise production costs.
Local governments lose regulatory autonomy but gain clarity and reduced enforcement complexity; rural counties with limited environmental staff may struggle with complaint-based enforcement.
Food banks and assistance programs are exempt from bag rules and encouraged—but not required—to reduce plastic use, preserving their ability to serve clients without added cost or burden.