California's Proposed Plastic Bag Ban (AB 1998) Failed in the Senate

On August 31, 2010, AB 1998 lost in the California Senate by a 14-21 vote. The bill had made it through the state Assembly and several Senate committees, but could not make it over the final hurdle.

This does not mean the end of plastic bag bans in California. AB 1998 supporters built a strong coalition and a similar bill should be expected next term. Also, several California cities plan to go forward with local laws.