Overview
- Mayor Cherelle Parker returned the bill unsigned on Thursday, allowing it to take effect after City Council’s 10–5 approval on Oct. 30.
- The fee is set to begin 60 days after approval, likely in January, and sponsor Mark Squilla signaled openness to a longer rollout.
- Retailers must charge at least 10 cents per paper bag and post notices to customers, and the proceeds remain with the stores.
- The charge applies at retail checkouts but not to deliveries, drive-thrus or takeout orders, according to the legislation.
- The policy follows a surge in paper-bag use after the 2021 plastic-bag ban, as the administration warns of potential impacts on low-income residents and small businesses.