Press Release: 4/15/2026

Stop the Paint Tax, Bag Tax, and Statewide Plastic Bag Ban

The Massachusetts State Senate is preparing to vote TODAY on a sweeping $3.6 billion environmental bond bill (S.3050). They're planning to vote to raise your taxes on April 15, Tax Day, of all days. After they vote, it is expected the House and Governor will both eventually consider the proposal. While the legislation is being framed as a “climate and resilience package,” it includes several new mandates, fees, and retail-level policies that will directly impact consumers and small businesses across the Commonwealth.



Two provisions in particular stand out for their immediate, real-world consequences:



A New “Paint Tax” on Consumers

The bill creates a statewide paint “stewardship” program that effectively imposes a new fee on every can of paint sold in Massachusetts. Manufacturers and retailers will be required to embed this fee into the purchase price, passing the cost directly on to consumers.



This program could also limit consumer choice. Smaller or less widely distributed paint brands may struggle to comply with the program’s requirements, potentially reducing availability and competition in the marketplace.



Statewide Plastic Bag Ban & Paper Bag Tax

The legislation also establishes a statewide plastics reduction mandate that:




  • Bans single-use plastic carryout bags outright

  • Requires retailers to charge at least 10 cents per paper bag

  • Sends a portion of that fee directly to the state



This is effectively a new, state-mandated bag tax. While some exemptions exist for very small businesses, most retailers and consumers will feel the impact immediately at checkout.

 





Watch Our Latest YouTube Report: https://youtu.be/gVrPtxQah08

Contact Your Lawmaker: https://www.votervoice.net/MASSFISCAL/campaigns/136520/respond





At a time when Massachusetts residents are already facing high costs of living, this bill adds new costs on everyday purchases while expanding government programs and increasing government debt.

 

As usual, Beacon Hill continues to pursue broad policy changes without taking any thought about how it will affect affordability or the cumulative burden it will place on taxpayers, businesses, and consumers.



The Senate is expected to take this bill up shortly. Please take action immediately to let your lawmakers know that their constituents oppose these new taxes and mandates: https://www.votervoice.net/MASSFISCAL/campaigns/136520/respond