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House passes bill banning plastic bags
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Posted on Feb 19 2009
The House of Representatives has passed a bill that would prohibit the use of plastic bags in stores and impose a fine for any violators.
Under House Bill 16-166, all stores must provide recyclable paper bags, compostable plastic bags or reusable bags to consumers. Any individual or company found to be in violation would be charged with a misdemeanor and be fined $100 for the first violation. For a second violation within the same year, the fine would be raised to not more than $200. A third violation would increase the fine to not more than $500. The Department of Commerce and the Office of the Attorney General could also impose separate fines.
Rep. Rosemond Santos, who introduced the legislation, said the bill is a stepping-stone for the CNMI to become more eco-friendly. She said although recycling plastic bags is being promoted, it has proven difficult and costly.
Santos shared with the other members how her family uses recyclable bags. She always leaves them in the car until she takes them into the store. Immediately after unloading the grocery items in her house she returns the bags to the car.
“It’s a change of lifestyle,” she said.
The bill’s requirements would go into effect six months after the legislation is signed into law.
