Will Single-Use Plastic Bags Be Banned Soon in Louisiana?

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If one Louisiana legislator has his way, single-use plastic bags will soon be a thing of the past here in Louisiana.

Louisiana Radio Network reports that Marrero, LA Senator Patrick Connick has filed legislation that would prohibit retailers from using single-use plastic bags as a way to help alleviate Louisiana's growing problems with trash.

Connick told Louisiana Radio Network that the excess plastic trash, "pollutes the environment, it’s harmful to fish and wildlife, it never degrades. This is a bill to get the attention of those retailers who distribute these bags, so let’s find a better way to do it, if possible."

In an effort to encourage the use of reusable bags, Senate Bill 155 would levy a $100 penalty for the first violation, $200 for the second, and $500 for the third and any other further violations. Connick says that many other states have enacted similar legislation.

Personally, I believe Louisiana has a serious litter problem. Take a drive along I-20 or I-49 for yourself and really LOOK. Our roadways are a mess. Maybe, the city doesn't fix the lights along the interstate because they don't want out-of-towners to see our mess? While I don't know what kind of expense this will incur on retailers, I think it's high time we did something about cleaning up our beautiful state.

The Louisiana legislative session is set to begin Monday, March 14, 2022, in Baton Rouge.