In June 2023, the Anne Arundel County Council passed Bill No. 19-23 Bring Your Own Bag Plastic Reduction Act prohibiting the retail distribution of plastic bags in the county; defining certain terms; establishing the duties of certain retail establishments; requiring an example of a notice required by retail establishments to be posted on the county's website; making a violation a Class C civil offense; providing for the enforcement of the prohibition on plastic bags; allowing retail establishments to distribute paper and reusable bags at no cost until a certain date; providing for a delayed effective date; and generally relating to public safety.
Except as provided in Section 2 of the Ordinance, this Ordinance takes effect on January 1, 2024. Retail establishments may provide paper carry-out bags and reusable carry-out bags at no cost until February 1, 2024.