# New Jersey S643: Eliminates prohibition on paper bags, and allows packaging options, for certain grocery orders for three years; requires program for disposition of reusable bags; extends timeframe for use of certain bags by food banks and pantries.

New Jersey S643, Eliminates prohibition on paper bags, and allows packaging options, for certain grocery orders for three years; requires program for disposition of reusable bags; extends timeframe for use of certain bags by food banks and pantries., is a 221st Legislature (2026-2027) Senate bill sponsored by Bob Smith (Democratic); status in committee, last action 2026-01-13 (Introduced, 1st Reading in Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee) (as of 2026-10-12).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/NJ-S643-2026-2027
- As of: 2026-10-12
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: New Jersey S643
- State: New Jersey
- Session: 221st Legislature (2026-2027)
- Title: Eliminates prohibition on paper bags, and allows packaging options, for certain grocery orders for three years; requires program for disposition of reusable bags; extends timeframe for use of certain bags by food banks and pantries.
- Status: in committee
- Chamber: Senate
- Introduced: 2026-01-13
- Last action: 2026-01-13, Introduced, 1st Reading in Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
- Sponsor: Bob Smith (Democratic)
- Cosponsors: 1
- Touches household money: no
- Economic provisions PRIA read: 0

## Summary

No summary available.

## Bill overview

No economic impacts identified for this bill.

## Sponsors and cosponsors

- Sponsor: Bob Smith (Democratic), Senate
- Cosponsor: Troy Singleton (Democratic), Senate

## Actions (1)

- 2026-01-13: Introduced, 1st Reading in Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (Senate)

## Bill text

- As Introduced, 2025-12-18: [HTML](https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2026/S1000/643_I1.HTM), [PDF](https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2026/S1000/643_I1.PDF)

## Related bills

- S1395: Allows certain limited liability companies to terminate alternate names before end of five-year registration period. (signed)
- S4420: Authorizes regional rehabilitation and reentry center authority to determine county proportional share assessment for budget purposes. (signed)
- S4515: Authorizes dual employment by certain employees of Rutgers University and affiliated contracting entities.* (signed)
- S4413: Establishes School-based Partnerships for Access and Resilience for Kids program in DCF; requires school districts to develop mental health support and partner… (signed)
- S2962: Provides seniority service credit to educational support professionals for military service. (signed)
- A4072: Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. (signed)

## Sources
- [As Introduced (HTML)](https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2026/S1000/643_I1.HTM)
- [As Introduced (PDF)](https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2026/S1000/643_I1.PDF)

## Related
- [S1395: Allows certain limited liability companies to terminate alternate names before…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/NJ-S1395-2026-2027)
- [S4420: Authorizes regional rehabilitation and reentry center authority to determine co…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/NJ-S4420-2026-2027)
- [S4515: Authorizes dual employment by certain employees of Rutgers University and affil…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/NJ-S4515-2026-2027)
- [S4413: Establishes School-based Partnerships for Access and Resilience for Kids progra…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/NJ-S4413-2026-2027)
- [S2962: Provides seniority service credit to educational support professionals for mili…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/NJ-S2962-2026-2027)
- [A4072: Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contrac…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/NJ-A4072-2026-2027)
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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/NJ-S643-2026-2027 (as of 2026-10-12).