§ 13–1001
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 13-1001 (2026)
Title 13. Other Powers of Counties -- Regulatory
Subtitle 10. Miscellaneous Provisions
§ 13–1001LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies only in Howard County.
(b)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
(i)
“Disposable bag” means a plastic bag provided by a store to a customer at the point of sale.
(ii)
“Disposable bag” does not include:
(1)
a durable plastic bag with handles that is at least 2.25 mils thick and is designed and manufactured for multiple reuse;
(2)
a bag used to:
(A)
package bulk items, including fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candy, or small hardware items;
(B)
contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, or fish, whether prepackaged or not;
(C)
contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other damp items;
(D)
contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods; or
(E)
contain a newspaper or dry cleaning;
(3)
a bag provided by a pharmacist to contain prescription drugs; or
(4)
plastic bags sold in packages containing multiple plastic bags intended for use as garbage, pet waste, or yard waste bags.
(3)
“Store” means a retail establishment that provides disposable bags to customers as a result of the sale of a product.
(c)
(1)
The county may impose, by law, a fee on a store for the use of disposable bags as a part of a retail sale of products.
(2)
The fee imposed under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not exceed 5 cents for each disposable bag used.
(d)
The county may only use the revenue from a fee imposed under subsection (c) of this section for:
(1)
an environmental purpose, including the establishment of a program to provide reusable bags to individuals in the county; or
(2)
the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the fee.