By: Springer, Leach, Callegari, Sanford, H.B. No. 2416
      et al.
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the provision of bags to customers of a business at the
  point of sale.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  (a) This Act shall be known and may be cited as
  the "Shopping Bag Freedom Act."
         SECTION 2.  Title 6, Business & Commerce Code, is amended by
  adding Chapter 205 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 205. RIGHT OF BUSINESSES TO PROVIDE BAG TO CUSTOMER
         Sec. 205.001.  PROVISION OF BAG AUTHORIZED. A business that
  sells an item to a customer may provide to the customer at the point
  of sale a bag, package or other container made from any material.
         Sec. 205.002.  GENERAL PROHIBITIONS INVALID. (a)  An
  ordinance or regulation adopted by a local government purporting to
  prohibit or restrict a business from providing to a customer at the
  point of sale a bag, package or other container made from any
  material is invalid and has no effect.
         SECTION 3.  Beginning September 1, 2013, a local government
  may not enforce any ordinance or regulation adopted by the local
  government before that date that prohibits or restricts a business,
  other than a business serving only residents of that local
  government's territory, from providing to a customer at the point
  of sale a bag, package or other container made from any material.
         SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.