Corpus Christi cannot ban or restrict single-use plastic bags. The Texas Supreme Court held in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association (2018) that the state Health and Safety Code preempts local container ordinances.
Several Texas cities, including Brownsville and Laredo, adopted plastic-bag fees or bans before 2018. In City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association, the Texas Supreme Court held that Texas Health and Safety Code §361.0961 preempts municipal ordinances that prohibit or restrict containers and packages for solid-waste management purposes. Corpus Christi never adopted a bag ordinance, and any future attempt would conflict with state law absent a legislative change. Retailers and consumers therefore continue to use single-use bags freely. Voluntary store programs and bring-your-own-bag incentives remain lawful and unregulated by the city.
There is no city plastic-bag ordinance to enforce. Voluntary retailer programs are not subject to city penalties, and no fee or ban can be imposed without state legislative authorization.
Corpus Christi, TX
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Corpus Christi, TX
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See how Corpus Christi's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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