A proposed bill to be considered soon by the Tennessee General Assembly would make paper and plastic bags items of the past in an effort to protect the environment. Senate Bill 2131 is sponsored by Republican Senator Richard Briggs. The bill states any bag designed for one time use, such as plastic or paper bags at grocery stores, retail or other food service businesses, would be prohibited. Instead, businesses would be allowed to provide customers with a reusable bag. Reusable bags would have to have handles, the ability to be cleaned or disinfected, and is designed for at least 125 uses. One-time use bags or bags without handles would be allowed for use to prevent food from damaging or contaminating other foods or to contain an unwrapped or hot food item. If passed, the bill would go into law January 1, 2021.