California is banning all plastic shopping bags at grocery store checkouts under legislation that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed on Sunday.
Why it matters: The law that takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026, honors the intent of a ban on single-use bags "enacted 10 years ago that allowed stores to sell customers thicker plastic carryout bags that were considered reusable and met certain recyclability standards," per a statement from state Sen. Catherine Blakespear.
