SPRINGFIELD — Plastic pollution is a widespread issue in the Great Lakes region, with an estimated 11 million pounds of plastic entering Lake Michigan alone each year. To help reduce the volume of single-use plastic items, State Senator Julie Morrison is supporting efforts to eliminate plastic bags at Illinois retailers.

“Plastic doesn’t go away — it breaks into smaller pieces that end up in our water sources, wildlife and eventually, our bodies,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest), whose district borders Lake Michigan. “This plastic accumulation creates a sustained environmental and health hazard that needs to be addressed.”

Senate Bill 1872 would prohibit retailers from offering single-use plastic bags beginning Jan. 1, 2029. Businesses would be allowed to offer customers the option to purchase recycled paper bags for 10 cents per bag. Restaurants, gas stations under 5,000 square feet, and small businesses with 12 or fewer locations in Illinois employing 250 or fewer employees would be exempt from the plastic bag ban.

Currently, 12 states have implemented plastic bag bans. In Illinois, Evanston limits plastic bag usage, while several municipalities, including Northbrook, impose a 10-cent fee on plastic bags within stores of a certain size.

“There are safer and still convenient ways to carry our items, such as paper or reusable bags,” said Morrison. “By encouraging these alternatives and giving businesses time to adapt, we’re prioritizing the long-term health of our environment.”

Senate Bill 1872 passed the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee on Thursday.