ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT AND SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2065

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 7, 2022

      The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 2065.

      As amended by the committee, this bill would (1) amend the definition of “reusable carryout bag” and (2) exempt food banks and food pantries from section 3 of P.L.2020, c.117 (C.13:1E-99.128), which prohibits stores and food service businesses from selling or providing single-use plastic or paper carryout bags to customers.

      As used in the bill, “food bank” means the same as the term is defined in section 2 of P.L.1982, c.178 (C.24:4A-2), i.e., “a nonprofit food clearinghouse that solicits, stores, and distributes donations of edible but unmarketable surplus food.  The food is distributed to nonprofit organizations that feed the needy.”  The bill defines “food pantry” as “a nonprofit organization or government entity that distributes food to individuals in need of assistance, including, but not limited to, a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or religious organization.”

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amendments to the bill:

      1) expand the definition of “reusable carryout bag” to include a carryout bag that:  (a) is made from low density polyethylene with a minimum area density of 120 grams per square meter; (b) is composed of at least 80 percent post-consumer-recycled content; (c) has stitched handles; (d) is capable of carrying 22 pounds over a distance of 175 feet for a minimum of 125 uses; and (e) is capable of being recycled into a new product without further chemical modification or treatment; and

      2) update the title and synopsis of the bill.