3.28.19 - Senator Fred Akshar Releases New Survey on Proposal to Ban Plastic Grocery Bags

Senator Fred Akshar released a new Community Voice Survey on the Senate Democrats' proposed ban on plastic grocery bags, which could be included in a final budget agreement.

Akshar is asking his constituents to weigh in on Senate bill S.1508, which would:

• Ban all plastic bags except bags that directly contain food or prescription drugs.
• Place a fee on all carryout bags, including paper bags of 10 to 25 cents.
• Place a fee on store-provided reusable grocery bags of at least 10 cents, to be determined by the store.
  • 20% of that fee would go to the store, while 80% would go to Tax and Finance and deposited into the Environmental Protection Fund.
• Customers bringing their own bags would not be subject to a fee.
• Exempt individuals on food stamps from any fees.

Any retailer who violates any provision of this act would be subject to the following penalties:

• First violation: Warning
• Second violation: $250 fine
• Any subsequent violation: $500 fine

The provisions of this bill would effect 270 days after it becomes a law (if passed by the April 1st budget deadline, it would become affective around December 1st, 2019).

To read more about the proposal and let Sen. Akshar know you they feel about the bill, click here.

Respondents can specify whether they:

• Support banning plastic grocery bags and taxing other carryout grocery bags;
• Support banning plastic grocery bags but oppose any additional taxes on carryout grocery bags;
• Oppose banning plastic grocery bags but support taxing carryout grocery bags; or
• Oppose banning plastic grocery bags and oppose any additional bag taxes

Throughout the 2019-2020 Legislative Session, Akshar will regularly post new Community Voice Survey questions on Akshar.NYSenate.Gov and publish the results of previously asked questions.
 

“No matter my personal views on any issue, it's important for me to continually allow the people of the 52nd Senate District to weigh in, be heard and share the results,” Akshar said. “It's about continuing to be open and accountable to the people.”