The new bill, set to be implemented on January 1, 2026, mandates that shoppers will no longer be asked 'Paper or plastic?' at grocery stores. Instead, if they have not brought their own reusable bags, they will be offered paper bags for a small fee. This change builds on California's initial plastic bag ban from 2014, which was the first of its kind in the nation but allowed for thicker, so-called reusable plastic bags that were seldom recycled.

Environmental groups such as Oceana have applauded the new legislation, highlighting its potential to safeguard marine life and reduce overall environmental degradation. The ban is seen as a crucial step in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis. However, the implementation of this ban follows increasing evidence that previous measures did not significantly curb plastic use, as the state saw a rise in plastic trash per capita from 2004 to 2021.

While environmentalists celebrate, some business owners express concerns over the new law. They argue that the transition to paper-only options will lead to increased costs for consumers and restrict consumer choice. Critics of the ban, like local grocery store owner Dirk Stump, argue that the market should dictate the products offered, suggesting that consumer choice should prevail over legislative bans.