Minnesota Statewide Rule

Minnesota Plastic Bag Rules and Repealed Preemption

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota previously preempted local plastic bag bans under Minn. Stat. 325E.045, but the legislature repealed that preemption in 2023, allowing cities like Minneapolis to enforce bag fees and bans.

Full Breakdown

Minn. Stat. 325E.045 originally barred local governments from prohibiting or imposing fees on auxiliary containers including plastic bags. The legislature repealed the preemption effective 2023, restoring local authority. Minneapolis reinstated its bag fee, and other cities can now adopt bans, fees, or recycled-content mandates. Retailers must track local rules in each jurisdiction where they operate, since requirements vary on bag thickness, fee amounts, and exemptions for produce or pharmacy bags.

Violations & Penalties

Noncompliance with local bag ordinances may result in administrative fines, citations, and license issues under municipal codes.

Sources

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