The State House proposed House Bill 1071, which is designed to help those in the plastic bag industry, and could help you save money at the checkout.

The proposed law would prohibit local and state governments from being able to add a fee, tax or surcharge to plastic bags at the time of checkout.

This bill, however, would not stop stores from imposing their own charge for the use of the bags. Representative Mike Hanna says that this bill protects jobs while encouraging people to use and return recyclable bags. 

Novolex is a plant that makes plastic bags in Milesburg, Centre County.  They employ 160 workers, and two dozen employees joined Hanna at the capital to hand deliver a letter to Governor Tom Wolf, encouraging him to not veto the bill that passed the house 102-87, and the senate 28-21.

“Not only does House Bill 1071 preserve consumer choice, it promotes good family sustaining jobs for hard working Pennsylvanians,” Hanna said. “Something we can and all should support.”

Governor Wolf has until Friday to make a decision. If one is not made, the bill will become law.