Tennessee Plastic Bag Local Preemption Law

T.C.A. 7-86-103, enacted in 2019, prohibits any county, city, or metropolitan government from regulating the use, disposition, sale, prohibition, restriction, taxation, or imposition of fees or charges on auxiliary containers. Auxiliary containers include plastic and paper bags, bottles, cups, and other packaging. The statute prevents Tennessee municipalities from adopting plastic bag bans or fees similar to those enacted in other states. Limited exceptions exist for state-owned property and recycling programs that do not impose fees or restrictions.

Local ordinances violating T.C.A. 7-86-103 are void and unenforceable, exposing municipalities to legal challenge by affected businesses or residents.