Paper or plastic?
The tax would make it more expensive for stores to let customers bag their groceries in plastic rather than paper and is estimated to raise about $23 million per year.
"Plastic bags harm the environment a whole lot more than paper bags," said John Doyle, a state delegate and lead sponsor of the bill. "I think if we tax plastic bags, what will happen is that most people will just want paper, and a paper bag's not going to smother a turtle."
While the bill didn't pass in this year's legislative session, Doyle said if he is re-elected, he'll introduce the same bill at the beginning of next year.
NEXT: The sound of tax revenue
