GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2011

SESSION LAW 2011-47

SENATE BILL 146

AN ACT to suspend the ban on plastic bags in certain coastal areas due to a disruption in the supply of paper bags because of the severe tornados.

Whereas, the large retailers were prohibited in September 2009 from supplying plastic bags on the barrier islands of the Outer Banks as a pilot program; and

Whereas, the ban was expanded in October 2010 to apply to all businesses in the affected area; and

Whereas, the major distribution center for paper bags used by retailers in the areas subject to the ban was located in Dunn, but was severely damaged and rendered unusable by the tornados of April 16, 2011; and

Whereas, the General Assembly finds that the suspension of the requirement until the supply chain for paper bags is restored is in the public interest; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  The operation of Part 2G of Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the General Statutes (Plastic Bag Management) is suspended until the earlier of June 30, 2011, or the issuance of an executive order by the Governor that the supply chain for paper bags in counties subject to Part 2G has been restored.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective April 16, 2011.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 20^th day of April, 2011.

                                                                    s/  Walter H. Dalton

                                                                         President of the Senate

                                                                    s/  Thom Tillis

                                                                         Speaker of the House of Representatives

                                                                    s/  Beverly E. Perdue

                                                                         Governor

Approved 4:25 p.m. this 20^th day of April, 2011