The proposal was revised to take effect in 18 months, rather than two years. Last legislative session, it was approved by the Senate but not the Assembly.
The bill would ban single-use carryout bags in two years. Its sponsor says it will be a top priority in the new session with a first hearing on Jan. 30.
Nearly two-thirds of New Jerseyans back a ban on plastic bags, though support drops when asked about the details. A slim majority would ban plastic straws.
The fee would raise $23.4 million a year -- a nickel at a time, on carryout plastic and paper bags. The money would be diverted to balance the state budget.