HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Proponents of a ban on plastic shopping bags say they're still hopeful the state Senate and House will approve the measure.
With one week to go in the legislative session, supporters held a press conference Wednesday, saying the ban would help improve the environment by reducing plastic pollution.
The proposal would ban retail stores from using plastic bags after July 1, 2021 and impose a fine of $250 for violations.
Democratic Sen. Christine Cohen, co-chair of the legislature's Environment Committee, says businesses would be able to prepare for the ban in the two years before it kicks in.
Republican Rep. David Rutigliano insists businesses and their customers are already moving away from plastic bags, and the matter should be left to the market to decide.