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PRINTER'S NO. 2347
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1886
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY GREEN, HILL-EVANS, PIELLI, FREEMAN, NEILSON, RABB,
GIRAL, PROBST, OTTEN, MAYES, BOYD AND K.HARRIS,
SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE
PROTECTION, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025
AN ACT
Amending Title 12 (Commerce and Trade) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in miscellaneous provisions, providing
for bag usage.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Part IX of Title 12 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a chapter to read:
CHAPTER 99
BAG USAGE
Sec.
9901. Scope of chapter.
9902. Definitions.
9903. Bag alternative.
§ 9901. Scope of chapter.
This chapter relates to alternatives to single-use plastic
bags and to the use of compliant bags.
§ 9902. Definitions.
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The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Compliant bag." Any of the following:
(1) A paper bag that:
(i) Is 100% recyclable overall.
(ii) Contains a minimum of 40% postconsumer recycled
material.
(iii) Can be composted.
(iv) Displays the words "recyclable" or "reusable"
in a visible manner on the outside of the paper bag.
(2) A bag that:
(i) Has handles made of cloth or other washable
fabric, or which is otherwise durable.
(ii) Is specifically designed and manufactured for
multiple uses.
(iii) Is 100% recyclable overall.
"Customer." A person purchasing goods from a retail
establishment.
"Retail establishment." As follows:
(1) A business entity that sells or otherwise
distributes goods directly to a customer, regardless of
whether the sale or distribution is carried on for profit.
(2) The term includes a retail store, restaurant,
pharmacy, convenience store, grocery store, liquor store,
seasonal or temporary business or similar entity or facility.
"Single-use plastic bag." As follows:
(1) A bag made predominantly of plastic derived from
petroleum or a biologically based source, such as corn or
another plant source, which is provided by a retail
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establishment to a customer at the point of sale or
distribution.
(2) The term includes a compostable and biodegradable
bag.
(3) The term does not include a reusable bag, produce
bag, product bag or any of the following that is used for
carry-out purpose or otherwise:
(i) A bag provided by a retail establishment and
used by a customer inside the retail establishment to do
any of the following:
(A) Package bulk items, such as fruit,
vegetables, nuts, grains, candies or small hardware
items.
(B) Contain or wrap frozen foods, meat or fish,
whether packaged or not.
(C) Contain or wrap flowers, potted plants or
other items if dampness may be an issue.
(D) Contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery
goods.
(ii) A pharmacy prescription bag.
(iii) A newspaper bag.
(iv) A door-hanger bag.
(v) A laundry or dry cleaning bag.
(vi) A bag sold in a package containing multiple
bags intended for use as a food storage bag, garbage bag,
yard waste bag or pet waste bag.
§ 9903. Bag alternative.
A retail establishment that has banned the use or provision
of single-use plastic bags shall provide compliant bags to
customers at the point of sale or distribution, free of charge.
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Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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