California governor signs law banning all plastic shopping bags at grocery stores

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — “Paper or plastic” will no longer be a choice at grocery store checkout lines in California under a new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. California had already banned thin plastic shopping bags at supermarkets and other stores, but shoppers can purchase bags made with thicker plastic that purportedly makes them reusable and recyclable. The new measure was approved by state legislators last month and signed Sunday (Sept. 22, 2024) by the governor. It bans all plastic shopping bags starting in 2026. Consumers will now simply be asked if they want a paper bag.