Section 13-1001 - Authority to impose fees for use of disposable bags(a) This section applies only in Howard County.(b)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.(2)(i) "Disposable bag" means a plastic bag provided by a store to a customer at the point of sale.(ii) "Disposable bag" does not include: 1. a durable plastic bag with handles that is at least 2.25 mils thick and is designed and manufactured for multiple reuse;2. a bag used to: A. package bulk items, including fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candy, or small hardware items;B. contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, or fish, whether prepackaged or not;C. contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other damp items;D. contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods; orE. contain a newspaper or dry cleaning;3. a bag provided by a pharmacist to contain prescription drugs; or4. plastic bags sold in packages containing multiple plastic bags intended for use as garbage, pet waste, or yard waste bags.(3) "Store" means a retail establishment that provides disposable bags to customers as a result of the sale of a product.(c)(1) The county may impose, by law, a fee on a store for the use of disposable bags as a part of a retail sale of products.(2) The fee imposed under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not exceed 5 cents for each disposable bag used.(d) The county may only use the revenue from a fee imposed under subsection (c) of this section for: (1) an environmental purpose, including the establishment of a program to provide reusable bags to individuals in the county; or(2) the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the fee.Added by 2019 Md. Laws, Ch. 725,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2019.