An Act Authorizing The Imposition Of A Fee For Single-use Paper Checkout Bags.
Summary
HB 5619 would amend Title 12 of the Connecticut General Statutes to allow municipalities to require a 2-cent fee on each single-use paper checkout bag used at the point of sale in a retail establishment. The bill does not itself impose a statewide fee; instead, it gives local governments the authority to adopt such a charge if they choose.
The measure is aimed at reducing the use of disposable paper bags and encouraging reusable alternatives, while also creating a small local revenue stream that municipalities could direct as they see fit under their own ordinances. Because the bill is framed as an authorization rather than a mandate, its practical effect would depend on whether individual towns or cities decide to act.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would modify state law in Title 12 to expressly permit municipalities to impose a 2-cent fee on single-use paper checkout bags at retail point of sale. It would affect municipalities, retailers, and consumers in jurisdictions that adopt the fee, while leaving other municipalities unchanged. The bill would also create a local-option regulatory tool related to bag use and potentially influence retail checkout practices and waste-reduction policies.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the overall sentiment appears neutral and policy-oriented rather than overtly contentious. The proposal reflects a common environmental and municipal revenue approach, but there is no available evidence in the provided record of organized support or opposition. Because no committee discussion or voting history is included, the level of legislative backing cannot be assessed from the record provided.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the use of a fee on paper checkout bags, which may be viewed by supporters as a modest environmental incentive and by opponents as an added cost on consumers and retailers. Another possible issue is local control: some may favor allowing municipalities to tailor bag policies, while others may prefer a uniform statewide rule or oppose giving towns additional authority to regulate retail checkout practices. No specific objections or proponents are identified in the provided materials.