New Jersey Assembly Bill A4082

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/26/22
• Refer: 5/26/22

Caption

Amends law to exempt food banks and food pantries from prohibition on sale and distribution of single-use plastic and paper carryout bags.

Impact

The current law, established under P.L.2020, c.117, has a phased approach where single-use plastic and paper bags are to be banned for regular businesses, with restrictions coming into full effect over a specified time frame. By exempting food banks and food pantries, A4082 addresses potential logistical issues these organizations might face when distributing food to individuals in need, who may rely on single-use bags as a means to collect and transport their supplies. This move is seen as essential to retain operational efficiency within non-profit food assistance initiatives.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4082 aims to amend existing legislation regarding the distribution and sale of single-use plastic and paper carryout bags in the state of New Jersey. Specifically, the bill proposes to exempt food banks and food pantries from the current prohibition that forbids stores and food service businesses from providing single-use bags to customers. The intention is to ensure that these entities can continue to distribute food assistance without being restricted by the need to comply with the same regulations meant for commercial businesses.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that this exemption is necessary for ensuring that those in need receive assistance effectively, there are underlying concerns regarding environmental impacts. Detractors may view the bill as undermining the larger effort to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices across the state. This creates a tension between addressing immediate needs for food assistance and the broader implication of encouraging a culture of reliance on single-use products, thus sparking a debate on prioritizing societal needs against ecological responsibilities.