Comment on Maine House rejects bill to ban plastic shopping bags

AUGUSTA – The Maine House has rejected a bill that would prohibit retailers from using disposable plastic bags. The Democratic-controlled House voted 84-62 against the bill on Tuesday. Under the measure, retailers would no longer be able to use single-use plastic bags, starting September 2020. Plastic bags would still be allowed for some items, like prescription drugs and newspapers. The original bill sought to impose a 5 cent fee for single-use plastic bags designed but it was amended in committee.