LBD09174-01-9
S. 3044 2
4. "REUSABLE GROCERY BAG" MEANS A BAG THAT IS PROVIDED BY A STORE TO A
CUSTOMER AT THE POINT OF SALE THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION
27-2703 OF THIS TITLE.
5. (A) "REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER" MEANS A PERSON OR ENTITY THAT
DOES ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
(1) MANUFACTURES REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION TO A
STORE.
(2) IMPORTS REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS INTO THIS STATE, FOR SALE OR
DISTRIBUTION TO A STORE.
(3) SELLS OR DISTRIBUTES REUSABLE BAGS TO A STORE.
(B) "REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER" DOES NOT INCLUDE A STORE, WITH
REGARD TO A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG FOR WHICH THERE IS A MANUFACTURER OR
IMPORTER, AS SPECIFIED IN SUBPARAGRAPH ONE OR TWO OF PARAGRAPH (A) OF
THIS SUBDIVISION.
6. (A) "SINGLE-USE CARRYOUT BAG" MEANS A BAG MADE OF PLASTIC, PAPER,
OR OTHER MATERIAL THAT IS PROVIDED BY A STORE TO A CUSTOMER AT THE POINT
OF SALE AND THAT IS NOT A RECYCLED PAPER BAG OR A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG
THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 27-2703 OF THIS TITLE.
(B) A SINGLE-USE CARRYOUT BAG DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
(1) A BAG PROVIDED BY A PHARMACY.
(2) A NONHANDLED BAG USED TO PROTECT A PURCHASED ITEM FROM DAMAGING OR
CONTAMINATING OTHER PURCHASED ITEMS WHEN PLACED IN A RECYCLED PAPER BAG,
A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG, OR A COMPOSTABLE PLASTIC BAG.
(3) A BAG PROVIDED TO CONTAIN AN UNWRAPPED FOOD ITEM.
(4) A NONHANDLED BAG THAT IS DESIGNED TO BE PLACED OVER ARTICLES OF
CLOTHING ON A HANGER.
7. "STORE" MEANS A RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT THAT MEETS ANY OF THE FOLLOW-
ING REQUIREMENTS:
(A) A FULL-LINE, SELF-SERVICE RETAIL STORE WITH GROSS ANNUAL SALES OF
TWO MILLION DOLLARS OR MORE THAT SELLS A LINE OF DRY GROCERIES, CANNED
GOODS, OR NONFOOD ITEMS, AND SOME PERISHABLE ITEMS.
(B) HAS AT LEAST TEN THOUSAND SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL SPACE THAT GENER-
ATES SALES OR USE TAX.
(C) IS A CONVENIENCE FOOD STORE, DELI, FOODMART, OR OTHER ENTITY THAT
IS ENGAGED IN THE RETAIL SALE OF A LIMITED LINE OF GOODS, GENERALLY
INCLUDING MILK, BREAD, SODA, AND SNACK FOODS.
(D) IS A CONVENIENCE FOOD STORE, DELI, FOODMART, OR OTHER ENTITY THAT
IS ENGAGED IN THE RETAIL SALE OF GOODS INTENDED TO BE CONSUMED OFF THE
PREMISES.
(E) IS NOT OTHERWISE SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPHS (A), (B), (C), OR (D) OF
THIS SUBDIVISION, IF THE RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT VOLUNTARILY AGREES TO
COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED UPON A STORE PURSUANT TO THIS
TITLE, IRREVOCABLY NOTIFIES THE DEPARTMENT OF ITS INTENT TO COMPLY WITH
THE REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED UPON A STORE PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE, AND
COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION FIVE
OF SECTION 27-2702 OF THIS TITLE.
§ 2. Section 27-2703 of the environmental conservation law, as added
by chapter 641 of the laws of 2008, is REPEALED and a new section
27-2703 is added to read as follows:
§ 27-2703. STORE OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES.
1. ON AND AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, A STORE, AS DEFINED
IN PARAGRAPH (A) OR (B) OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701 OF THIS
TITLE, MAY SELL OR DISTRIBUTE A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG TO A CUSTOMER AT
THE POINT OF SALE ONLY IF THE REUSABLE BAG IS MADE BY A PRODUCER CERTI-
FIED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION TO MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
S. 3044 3
(A) HAS A HANDLE AND IS DESIGNED FOR AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE
USES, AS PROVIDED IN THIS TITLE.
(B) HAS A VOLUME CAPACITY OF AT LEAST FIFTEEN LITERS.
(C) IS MACHINE WASHABLE OR MADE FROM A MATERIAL THAT CAN BE CLEANED
AND DISINFECTED.
(D) HAS PRINTED ON THE BAG, OR ON A TAG ATTACHED TO THE BAG THAT IS
NOT INTENDED TO BE REMOVED, AND IN A MANNER VISIBLE TO THE CONSUMER, ALL
OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
(1) THE NAME OF THE MANUFACTURER.
(2) THE COUNTRY WHERE THE BAG WAS MANUFACTURED.
(3) A STATEMENT THAT THE BAG IS A REUSABLE BAG AND DESIGNED FOR AT
LEAST ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE USES.
(4) IF THE BAG IS ELIGIBLE FOR RECYCLING IN THE STATE, INSTRUCTIONS TO
RETURN THE BAG TO THE STORE FOR RECYCLING OR TO ANOTHER APPROPRIATE
RECYCLING LOCATION. IF RECYCLABLE IN THE STATE, THE BAG SHALL INCLUDE
THE CHASING ARROWS RECYCLING SYMBOL OR THE TERM "RECYCLABLE", CONSISTENT
WITH THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION GUIDELINES USE OF THAT TERM, AS
UPDATED.
(E) DOES NOT CONTAIN LEAD, CADMIUM, OR ANY OTHER TOXIC MATERIAL THAT
MAY POSE A THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH. A REUSABLE BAG MANUFACTURER MAY
DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE WITH THIS REQUIREMENT BY OBTAINING A NO OBJECTION
LETTER FROM THE FEDERAL FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION.
(F) COMPLIES WITH SECTION 260.12 OF PART TWO HUNDRED SIXTY OF TITLE
SIXTEEN OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS RELATED TO RECYCLABLE CLAIMS
IF THE REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER MAKES A CLAIM THAT THE REUSABLE
GROCERY BAG IS RECYCLABLE.
2. (A) IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS IN SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS
SECTION, A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG MADE FROM PLASTIC FILM SHALL MEET ALL OF
THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
(1) ON AND AFTER JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE, IT SHALL BE
MADE FROM A MINIMUM OF TWENTY PERCENT POSTCONSUMER RECYCLED MATERIAL.
(2) ON AND AFTER JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX, IT SHALL BE
MADE FROM A MINIMUM OF FORTY PERCENT POSTCONSUMER RECYCLED MATERIAL.
(3) IT SHALL BE RECYCLABLE IN THIS STATE, AND ACCEPTED FOR RETURN AT
STORES SUBJECT TO ANY AT-STORE RECYCLING PROGRAM FOR RECYCLING.
(4) IT SHALL HAVE, IN ADDITION TO THE INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE
PRINTED ON THE BAG OR ON A TAG, PURSUANT TO SUBPARAGRAPH FOUR OF PARA-
GRAPH (D) OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION, A STATEMENT THAT THE BAG
IS MADE PARTLY OR WHOLLY FROM POSTCONSUMER RECYCLED MATERIAL AND STATING
THE POSTCONSUMER RECYCLED MATERIAL CONTENT PERCENTAGE, AS APPLICABLE.
(5) IT SHALL BE CAPABLE OF CARRYING TWENTY-TWO POUNDS OVER A DISTANCE
OF ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE FEET FOR A MINIMUM OF ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-
FIVE USES AND BE AT LEAST 2.25 MILLIMETERS THICK, MEASURED ACCORDING TO
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TESTING AND MATERIALS STANDARD D6988-13.
(B) A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG MADE FROM PLASTIC FILM THAT MEETS THE SPEC-
IFICATIONS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TESTING AND MATERIALS INTERNA-
TIONAL STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR COMPOSTABLE PLASTICS D6400, AS
UPDATED, IS NOT REQUIRED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUBPARAGRAPH ONE OR
TWO OF PARAGRAPH (A) OF SUBDIVISION THREE OF SECTION 27-2701 OF THIS
TITLE.
3. IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS SECTION,
A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG THAT IS NOT MADE OF PLASTIC FILM AND THAT IS MADE
FROM ANY OTHER NATURAL OR SYNTHETIC FABRIC, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, WOVEN OR NONWOVEN NYLON, POLYPROPYLENE, POLYETHYLENE-TEREPHTHALATE,
OR TYVEK, SHALL SATISFY ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
(A) IT SHALL BE SEWN.
S. 3044 4
(B) IT SHALL BE CAPABLE OF CARRYING TWENTY-TWO POUNDS OVER A DISTANCE
OF ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE FEET FOR A MINIMUM OF ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-
FIVE USES.
(C) IT SHALL HAVE A MINIMUM FABRIC WEIGHT OF AT LEAST EIGHTY GRAMS PER
SQUARE METER.
4. ON AND AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, A STORE AS DEFINED IN
PARAGRAPH (C), (D) OR (E) OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701 OF
THIS TITLE, SHALL COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION.
§ 3. Section 27-2707 of the environmental conservation law is REPEALED
and a new section 27-2707 is added to read as follows:
§ 27-2707. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBILITIES.
ON AND AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, A PRODUCER OF REUSABLE
GROCERY BAGS MADE FROM PLASTIC FILM SHALL NOT SELL OR DISTRIBUTE A REUS-
ABLE GROCERY BAG IN THIS STATE UNLESS THE PRODUCER IS CERTIFIED BY A
THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION ENTITY PURSUANT TO SECTION 27-2709 OF THIS
TITLE. A PRODUCER SHALL PROVIDE PROOF OF CERTIFICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT
DEMONSTRATING THAT THE REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS PRODUCED BY THE PRODUCER
COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE. THE PROOF OF CERTIFICATION
SHALL INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. NAMES, LOCATIONS, AND CONTACT INFORMATION OF ALL SOURCES OF
POSTCONSUMER RECYCLED MATERIAL AND SUPPLIERS OF POSTCONSUMER RECYCLED
MATERIAL.
2. QUANTITY AND DATES OF POSTCONSUMER RECYCLED MATERIAL PURCHASES BY
THE REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER.
3. HOW THE POSTCONSUMER RECYCLED MATERIAL IS OBTAINED.
4. INFORMATION DEMONSTRATING THAT THE POSTCONSUMER RECYCLED MATERIAL
IS CLEANED USING APPROPRIATE WASHING EQUIPMENT.
§ 4. Section 27-2709 of the environmental conservation law is REPEALED
and a new section 27-2709 is added to read as follows:
§ 27-2709. DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES.
1. (A) COMMENCING ON OR BEFORE JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, THE
CERTIFICATION CONDUCTED BY A THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION ENTITY, SUBMITTED
UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY, FOR EACH TYPE OF REUSABLE GROCERY BAG THAT IS
MANUFACTURED, IMPORTED, SOLD, OR DISTRIBUTED IN THE STATE AND PROVIDED
TO A STORE FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION, AT THE POINT OF SALE, THAT MEETS
ALL THE APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS TITLE. THE PROOF OF CERTIF-
ICATION SHALL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CERTIFICATION FEE, ESTABLISHED PURSU-
ANT TO SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION.
(B) A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER SHALL RESUBMIT TO THE DEPARTMENT
PROOF OF CERTIFICATION AS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION
ON BIENNIAL BASIS. A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER SHALL PROVIDE THE
DEPARTMENT WITH AN UPDATED PROOF OF CERTIFICATION CONDUCTED BY A THIRD-
PARTY CERTIFICATION ENTITY IF ANY MODIFICATION THAT IS NOT SOLELY
AESTHETIC IS MADE TO A PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED REUSABLE BAG. FAILURE TO
COMPLY WITH THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL RESULT IN REMOVAL OF THE RELEVANT
INFORMATION POSTED ON THE DEPARTMENT'S WEB SITE PURSUANT TO SUBPARA-
GRAPHS (1) AND (2) OF PARAGRAPH (E) OF THIS SUBDIVISION FOR EACH REUS-
ABLE BAG THAT LACKS AN UPDATED PROOF OF CERTIFICATION CONDUCTED BY A
THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION ENTITY.
(C) A THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION ENTITY SHALL BE AN INDEPENDENT,
ACCREDITED ISO/IEC 17025 LABORATORY. A THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION ENTITY
SHALL CERTIFY THAT THE PRODUCER'S REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS MEET THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION.
(D) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE A SYSTEM TO RECEIVE PROOFS OF CERTIF-
ICATION ONLINE.
S. 3044 5
(E) ON AND AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL
PUBLISH A LIST ON ITS WEB SITE THAT INCLUDES ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
(1) THE NAME, LOCATION, AND APPROPRIATE CONTACT INFORMATION OF CERTI-
FIED REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCERS.
(2) THE REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS OF PRODUCERS THAT HAVE PROVIDED THE
REQUIRED CERTIFICATION.
(F) A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER SHALL SUBMIT APPLICABLE CERTIFIED
TEST RESULTS TO THE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMING THAT THE REUSABLE GROCERY BAG
MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS TITLE FOR EACH TYPE OF REUSABLE GROCERY
BAG THAT IS MANUFACTURED, IMPORTED, SOLD, OR DISTRIBUTED IN THE STATE
AND PROVIDED TO A STORE FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION.
(1) A PERSON MAY OBJECT TO THE CERTIFICATION OF A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG
PRODUCER PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION BY FILING AN ACTION FOR REVIEW OF THAT
CERTIFICATION IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF A COUNTY THAT HAS JURISDICTION
OVER THE REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER. THE COURT SHALL DETERMINE IF THE
REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF
THIS TITLE.
(2) A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER WHOSE CERTIFICATION IS BEING
OBJECTED TO PURSUANT TO SUBPARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL BE
DEEMED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THIS TITLE PENDING A DETERMINATION BY THE
COURT.
(3) BASED ON ITS DETERMINATION, THE COURT SHALL DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT
TO REMOVE THE REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER FROM, OR RETAIN THE REUSABLE
GROCERY BAG PRODUCER ON, ITS LIST PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (E) OF
THIS SUBDIVISION.
(4) IF THE COURT DIRECTS THE DEPARTMENT TO REMOVE A REUSABLE GROCERY
BAG PRODUCER FROM ITS PUBLISHED LIST, THE REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER
SHALL REMAIN OFF OF THE PUBLISHED LIST FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR FROM THE
DATE OF THE COURT'S DETERMINATION.
2. (A) A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG PRODUCER SHALL SUBMIT THE FEE ESTAB-
LISHED PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SUBDIVISION TO THE DEPARTMENT
WHEN PROVIDING PROOF OF CERTIFICATION OR RECERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
THIS SUBDIVISION AND SECTION 27-2707 OF THIS TITLE.
(B) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTABLISH AN ADMINISTRATIVE CERTIFICATION FEE
SCHEDULE THAT WILL GENERATE FEE REVENUES SUFFICIENT TO COVER, BUT NOT
EXCEED, THE DEPARTMENT'S REASONABLE COSTS TO IMPLEMENT THIS TITLE. THE
DEPARTMENT SHALL DEPOSIT ALL MONEYS SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION
INTO THE REUSABLE GROCERY BAG FUND ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION NINE-
TY-SEVEN-YYYY OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW. MONEYS IN THE FUND SHALL BE
CONTINUOUSLY APPROPRIATED, WITHOUT REGARD TO FISCAL YEAR, TO THE DEPART-
MENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPLEMENTING THIS TITLE.
§ 5. Title 27 of article 27 of the environmental conservation law, as
added by chapter 641 of the laws of 2008, is amended by adding a new
section 27-2702 to read as follows:
§ 27-2702. SINGLE USE CARRYOUT BAGS.
1. (A) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (E) OF THIS SUBDIVISION, ON AND
AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, A STORE, AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH
(A) OR (B) OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701 OF THIS TITLE, SHALL
NOT PROVIDE A SINGLE-USE CARRYOUT BAG TO A CUSTOMER AT THE POINT OF
SALE.
(B) (1) ON AND AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, A STORE, AS
DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH (A) OR (B) OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701
OF THIS TITLE, SHALL NOT SELL OR DISTRIBUTE A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG AT
THE POINT OF SALE EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS SUBDIVISION.
(2) ON AND AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, A STORE, AS DEFINED
IN PARAGRAPH (A) OR (B) OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701 OF THIS
S. 3044 6
TITLE, MAY MAKE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE POINT OF SALE A REUSABLE
GROCERY BAG THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 27-2703 OF THIS
TITLE.
(3) ON AND AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, A STORE, AS DEFINED
IN PARAGRAPH (A) OR (B) OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701 OF THIS
TITLE, THAT MAKES REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE PURSUANT
TO SUBPARAGRAPH TWO OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL NOT SELL
THE REUSABLE GROCERY BAG FOR LESS THAN TEN CENTS IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT
THE COST OF PROVIDING A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG IS NOT SUBSIDIZED BY A
CUSTOMER WHO DOES NOT REQUIRE THAT BAG.
(C) (1) ON AND AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, A STORE, AS
DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH (A) OR (B) OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701
OF THIS TITLE, SHALL NOT SELL OR DISTRIBUTE A RECYCLED PAPER BAG EXCEPT
AS PROVIDED IN THIS SUBDIVISION.
(2) A STORE, AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH (A) OR (B) OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN
OF SECTION 27-2701 OF THIS TITLE, MAY MAKE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE A
RECYCLED PAPER BAG. ON AND AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, THE
STORE SHALL NOT SELL A RECYCLED PAPER BAG FOR LESS THAN TEN CENTS IN
ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE COST OF PROVIDING A RECYCLED PAPER BAG IS NOT
SUBSIDIZED BY A CONSUMER WHO DOES NOT REQUIRE THAT BAG.
(D) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW, ON AND AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOU-
SAND TWENTY, A STORE, AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH (A) OR (B) OF SUBDIVISION
SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701 OF THIS TITLE, THAT MAKES REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS
OR RECYCLED PAPER BAGS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE POINT OF SALE SHALL
PROVIDE A REUSABLE GROCERY BAG OR A RECYCLED PAPER BAG AT NO COST AT THE
POINT OF SALE TO A CUSTOMER USING A PAYMENT CARD OR VOUCHER ISSUED BY
THE NEW YORK SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND
CHILDREN PURSUANT TO SECTION TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED SEVEN OF THE PUBLIC
HEALTH LAW OR AN ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER CARD ISSUED PURSUANT TO
SECTION NINETY-FIVE OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES LAW.
(E) ON AND AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, A STORE, AS DEFINED
IN PARAGRAPH (A) OR (B) OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701 OF THIS
TITLE, MAY DISTRIBUTE A COMPOSTABLE BAG AT THE POINT OF SALE, IF THE
COMPOSTABLE BAG IS PROVIDED TO THE CONSUMER AT THE COST SPECIFIED PURSU-
ANT TO SUBPARAGRAPH TWO OF PARAGRAPH (C) OF THIS SUBDIVISION, THE
COMPOSTABLE BAG, AT A MINIMUM, MEETS THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TESTING AND
MATERIALS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR COMPOSTABLE PLASTICS
D6400, AS UPDATED, AND IN THE JURISDICTION WHERE THE COMPOSTABLE BAG IS
SOLD AND IN THE JURISDICTION WHERE THE STORE IS LOCATED, BOTH OF THE
FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS ARE MET:
(1) A MAJORITY OF THE RESIDENTIAL HOUSEHOLDS IN THE JURISDICTION HAVE
ACCESS TO CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF FOOD WASTE FOR COMPOSTING.
(2) THE GOVERNING AUTHORITY FOR THE JURISDICTION HAS VOTED TO ALLOW
STORES IN THE JURISDICTION TO SELL TO CONSUMERS AT THE POINT OF SALE A
COMPOSTABLE BAG AT A COST NOT LESS THAN THE ACTUAL COST OF THE BAG,
WHICH THE LEGISLATURE HEREBY FINDS TO BE NOT LESS THAN TEN CENTS PER
BAG.
(F) A STORE, AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH (A) OR (B) OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN
OF SECTION 27-2701 OF THIS TITLE, SHALL NOT REQUIRE A CUSTOMER TO USE,
PURCHASE, OR ACCEPT A SINGLE-USE CARRYOUT BAG, RECYCLED PAPER BAG,
COMPOSTABLE BAG, OR REUSABLE GROCERY BAG AS A CONDITION OF SALE OF ANY
PRODUCT.
2. ON AND AFTER JULY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE, A STORE, AS
DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH (C), (D) OR (E) OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION
27-2701 OF THIS TITLE, SHALL COMPLY WITH THE SAME REQUIREMENTS OF THIS
S. 3044 7
SECTION THAT ARE IMPOSED UPON A STORE, AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH (A) OR
(B) OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701 OF THIS TITLE.
3. (A) THE OPERATOR OF A STORE, AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPH (A) OR (B) OF
SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701 OF THIS TITLE THAT MAKES RECYCLED
PAPER OR REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS AVAILABLE AT THE POINT OF SALE, SHALL BE
SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE AT-STORE RECYCLING PROGRAM ESTABLISHED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 27-2705 OF THIS TITLE.
(B) A STORE THAT VOLUNTARILY AGREES TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS TITLE PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701 OF THIS
TITLE, SHALL ALSO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE AT-STORE RECYCLING
PROGRAM ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION 27-2705 OF THIS TITLE.
4. ALL MONEYS COLLECTED PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE SHALL BE RETAINED BY
THE STORE AND MAY BE USED ONLY FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
(A) COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPLYING WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS
TITLE.
(B) ACTUAL COSTS OF PROVIDING RECYCLED PAPER BAGS OR REUSABLE GROCERY
BAGS.
(C) COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH A STORE'S EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS OR EDUCA-
TIONAL CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGING THE USE OF REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS.
5. (A) A RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT NOT SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH
THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS TITLE IS ENCOURAGED TO REDUCE ITS DISTRIBUTION
OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC CARRYOUT BAGS.
(B) PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF SECTION 27-2701
OF THIS TITLE, ANY RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT THAT IS NOT A "STORE", THAT
PROVIDES THE DEPARTMENT WITH THE IRREVOCABLE WRITTEN NOTICE AS SPECIFIED
IN PARAGRAPH (C) OF THIS SUBDIVISION SHALL BE REGULATED AS A "STORE" FOR
THE PURPOSES OF THIS TITLE.
(C) THE IRREVOCABLE WRITTEN NOTICE SHALL BE DATED AND SIGNED BY AN
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT, AND SHALL INCLUDE
THE NAME AND PHYSICAL ADDRESS OF ALL RETAIL LOCATIONS COVERED BY THE
NOTICE. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE IN WRIT-
ING AND SHALL SPECIFY THE DATE THE RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT WILL BE REGU-
LATED AS A "STORE", WHICH SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE
DATE OF THE DEPARTMENT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL POST ON
ITS WEB SITE, ORGANIZED BY COUNTY, THE NAME AND PHYSICAL LOCATION OR
LOCATIONS OF EACH RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT THAT HAS ELECTED TO BE REGULATED
AS A "STORE".
§ 6. Title 27 of article 27 of the environmental conservation law, as
added by chapter 641 of the laws of 2008, is amended by adding a new
section 27-2712 to read as follows:
§ 27-2712. ENFORCEMENT.
1. A CITY, A COUNTY, A CITY AND COUNTY, OR THE STATE MAY IMPOSE A
CIVIL LIABILITY ON A PERSON OR ENTITY THAT KNOWINGLY VIOLATED THIS
TITLE, OR REASONABLY SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT IT VIOLATED THIS TITLE, IN
THE AMOUNT OF ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS PER DAY FOR THE FIRST VIOLATION OF
THIS TITLE, TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS PER DAY FOR THE SECOND VIOLATION, AND
FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS PER DAY FOR THE THIRD AND SUBSEQUENT VIOLATIONS.
2. ANY CIVIL PENALTIES COLLECTED PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION ONE OF THIS
SECTION SHALL BE PAID TO THE OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY, CITY PROSECU-
TOR, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, OR ATTORNEY GENERAL, WHICHEVER OFFICE BROUGHT
THE ACTION. THE PENALTIES COLLECTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION BY THE
ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY BE EXPENDED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, UPON APPROPRI-
ATION BY THE LEGISLATURE, TO ENFORCE THIS TITLE.
§ 7. Section 27-2713 of the environmental conservation law is REPEALED
and a new section 27-2713 is added to read as follows:
§ 27-2713. PREEMPTION.
S. 3044 8
1. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS SECTION, THIS TITLE
IS A MATTER OF STATEWIDE INTEREST AND CONCERN AND IS APPLICABLE UNIFORM-
LY THROUGHOUT THE STATE. ACCORDINGLY, THIS TITLE OCCUPIES THE WHOLE
FIELD OF REGULATION OF REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS, SINGLE-USE CARRYOUT BAGS,
AND RECYCLED PAPER BAGS, AS DEFINED IN THIS TITLE, PROVIDED BY A STORE,
AS DEFINED IN THIS TITLE.
2. ON AND AFTER JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, A CITY, COUNTY, OR
OTHER LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY SHALL NOT ENFORCE, OR OTHERWISE IMPLEMENT, AN
ORDINANCE, RESOLUTION, REGULATION, OR RULE, OR ANY AMENDMENT THERETO,
ADOPTED ON OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, RELATING TO
REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS, SINGLE-USE CARRYOUT BAGS, OR RECYCLED PAPER BAGS,
AGAINST A STORE, AS DEFINED IN THIS TITLE, UNLESS EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED
BY THIS TITLE.
3. (A) A CITY, COUNTY, OR OTHER LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY THAT HAS ADOPTED,
BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, AN ORDINANCE, RESOLUTION,
REGULATION, OR RULE RELATING TO REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS, SINGLE-USE CARRY-
OUT BAGS, OR RECYCLED PAPER BAGS MAY CONTINUE TO ENFORCE AND IMPLEMENT
THAT ORDINANCE, RESOLUTION, REGULATION, OR RULE THAT WAS IN EFFECT
BEFORE THAT DATE. ANY AMENDMENTS TO THAT ORDINANCE, RESOLUTION, REGU-
LATION, OR RULE ON OR AFTER JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, SHALL BE
SUBJECT TO SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION, EXCEPT THE CITY, COUNTY, OR
OTHER LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY MAY ADOPT OR AMEND AN ORDINANCE, RESOLUTION,
REGULATION, OR RULE TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT THAT A STORE SHALL CHARGE
WITH REGARD TO A RECYCLED PAPER BAG, COMPOSTABLE BAG, OR REUSABLE
GROCERY BAG TO NO LESS THAN THE AMOUNT SPECIFIED IN SECTION 27-2702 OF
THIS TITLE.
(B) A CITY, COUNTY, OR OTHER LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY NOT COVERED BY PARA-
GRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION THAT, BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
SECTION, HAS PASSED A FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION
EXPRESSING THE INTENT TO RESTRICT SINGLE-USE CARRYOUT BAGS AND, BEFORE
JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY, ADOPTS AN ORDINANCE TO RESTRICT
SINGLE-USE CARRYOUT BAGS, MAY CONTINUE TO ENFORCE AND IMPLEMENT THE
ORDINANCE THAT WAS IN EFFECT BEFORE JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY.
§ 8. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 97-yyyy
to read as follows:
§ 97-YYYY. REUSABLE GROCERY BAG FUND. 1. THERE IS HEREBY ESTABLISHED
IN THE JOINT CUSTODY OF THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRON-
MENTAL CONSERVATION AND THE COMPTROLLER A FUND TO BE KNOWN AS THE "REUS-
ABLE GROCERY BAG FUND".
2. THE FUND SHALL CONSIST OF ALL MONIES APPROPRIATED FOR ITS PURPOSE,
ALL MONIES REQUIRED BY THIS SECTION OR ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW TO BE
PAID INTO OR CREDITED TO SUCH FUND. WHENEVER A LAWSUIT RESULTS IN A
CIVIL JUDGMENT FOR EXPENSES ALREADY PAID FOR BY THE FUND, THAT PORTION
OF THE CIVIL JUDGMENT SHALL BE PAID INTO THE FUND. NOTHING CONTAINED
HEREIN SHALL PREVENT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION FROM
RECEIVING GRANTS, GIFTS OR BEQUESTS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE FUND AS
DEFINED IN THIS SECTION AND DEPOSITING THEM INTO THE FUND ACCORDING TO
LAW.
3. MONIES OF THE FUND, WHEN ALLOCATED, SHALL BE AVAILABLE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 27-2709 OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION LAW.
4. MONIES SHALL BE PAYABLE FROM THE FUND ON THE AUDIT AND WARRANT OF
THE STATE COMPTROLLER ON VOUCHERS APPROVED AND CERTIFIED BY THE COMMIS-
SIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION.
§ 9. This act shall take effect immediately.