Second Grocery Bag Measure Eligible For November Ballot

Californians were already set to vote this fall on whether to uphold the statewide plastic bag ban that Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law in 2014. Now, the Secretary of State’s office says a related measure has also qualified for the November ballot.

It would divert the proceeds from bag fees paid by consumers under state and local plastic bag bans from grocers to environmental programs.

The measure is backed by the plastic bag industry, which says it opposes bag bans but any money raised by fees should not add to grocers’ profits.

Critics say the industry is trying to divide supporters of the statewide plastic bag ban and confuse voters so they reject both ballot measures.