The Texas Supreme Court ruling in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association (2018) invalidated municipal plastic-bag bans under Health and Safety Code section 361.0961. Dallas County never enacted a bag ordinance and is preempted from doing so. Retailers freely use plastic and paper bags.
In 2018 the Texas Supreme Court held in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association, 550 S.W.3d 586, that Texas Health and Safety Code 361.0961 preempts cities and counties from banning or charging fees on single-use plastic or paper bags. The court found bag-ban ordinances conflict with the Solid Waste Disposal Act prohibition on local rules regulating containers and packages. After Laredo, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, and dozens of other Texas jurisdictions repealed their bag rules. Dallas County never adopted a bag ordinance. Retailers across Dallas County, including Walmart, Kroger, and HEB, distribute plastic bags freely. Voluntary recycling and reusable-bag promotions continue, and DCHHS supports waste-reduction education without regulation.
No local violation exists because Dallas County has no plastic-bag rule and is preempted from creating one. Retailers face zero county penalty for plastic-bag use; littering offenses under state Health and Safety Code 365.012 still apply to discarded bags.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zoning districts. Commercial vehicles over one ton rated capacity, semi-tractors, trailers ove...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto requires all residential swimming pools with water depths over 24 inches to be fully enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) tall, per Texas...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto generally permits wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain link, masonry, and composite fences in residential zones, but each district has specific rules. Fro...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto limits residential fence heights based on yard location. Fences in front yards are typically limited to 4 feet tall, while side and rear yard fences m...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto requires fences to be structurally sound, properly installed, and maintained in good repair. Posts must be set in concrete footings of adequate depth ...
DeSoto, TX
DeSoto discourages feeding of wildlife that creates nuisance or public health concerns. Intentional feeding of feral hogs, coyotes, raccoons, and similar wil...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how DeSoto's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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