Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper bags by grocery stores for delivery orders; requires grocery stores and third party grocery delivery services to establish program for reuse of reusable bags used for delivery orders.
Impact
The bill addresses ongoing environmental concerns regarding plastic pollution and resource usage. Previously, regulations aimed at reducing single-use plastics contributed to significant changes in consumer behavior and grocery store operations. By allowing single-use paper bags for deliveries, supporters argue that it can improve service and maintain a competitive edge for grocery stores adapting to consumer preferences. However, this raises questions about the environmental cost of paper bag production compared to plastics, which has been a contentious issue in legislative discussions.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5592, introduced on June 8, 2023, seeks to amend earlier legislation prohibiting the provision of single-use paper carryout bags by grocery stores. This bill now allows grocery stores to provide or sell single-use paper bags specifically for delivery orders. Additionally, it mandates that grocery stores and third-party delivery services establish programs for the return, sanitation, and reuse of reusable bags used for deliveries. The main rationale behind this change is to enhance customer convenience while balancing the environmental implications associated with plastic bag usage.
Contention
Debate around A5592 may revolve around the environmental implications of allowing single-use paper bags. Critics point out that while the bill facilitates consumer convenience, it could undermine efforts to reduce overall plastic and paper waste, given that single-use paper bags may also require significant resources to produce and contribute to emissions. Furthermore, there is concern that this legislation could detract from initiatives aiming for sustainability, especially with New Jersey's commitment to minimizing plastic waste and pollution in oceans and waterways.
Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper bags by grocery stores for delivery orders; requires certain retailers to repurpose cardboard boxes if feasible.
Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper bags by grocery stores for delivery orders; requires certain retailers to repurpose cardboard boxes if feasible.
Eliminates prohibition on paper bags, and allows packaging options, for certain grocery orders for three years; requires program for disposition of reusable bags; extends timeframe for use of certain bags by food banks and pantries.
Eliminates prohibition on paper bags, and allows packaging options, for certain grocery orders for three years; requires program for disposition of reusable bags; extends timeframe for use of certain bags by food banks and pantries.
Requires third-party food delivery services and third-party grocery delivery services to provide the ability to include a gratuity at the same point in the online order process when the underlying order is placed; provides that customers shall not be required to pay a gratuity; provides that third-party food delivery services and third-party grocery delivery services shall not reduce the compensation of any worker as a result of gratuities; establishes penalties for violations of such provisions.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.