What Is Proposition 67? Voter Guide for 2016 California Measures

LOS ANGELES, CA -- If it passes Proposition 67 would prohibit stores from giving away single-use plastic or paper bags, but would permit the sale of recycled paper bags and reusable bags at no less than 10 cents each.

Proponents say it protects California's efforts to phase out plastic bags, which are an environmental hazard, while opponents call it a hidden $300 million annual tax on consumers that will go toward grocer profits and not the environment.

If it passes, Proposition 67 would ban plastic bags, but it would also give stores the option to use the 10 cent bag fee to offset the cost of providing paper or reusable bags. However, the competing Proposition 65, states that if Proposition 67 is enacted, the bag fee should go to the Wildlife Conservation fund instead of the stores.

The measure's supporters argue that it would help the environment, and protect oceans and wildlife. It has the support of Gov. Jerry Brown, the Democratic Party and a broad coalition of environmental groups. They contend the competing measure, Proposition 65, is a ruse by plastic bag manufacturers to confuse voters and erode the support of retailers.

However, Proposition 67 opponents say the bag fees paid by shoppers should go to the environment, not into grocers' pockets.

RELATED: What You Need to Know About California's Plastic Bag Referendums

According to the ballot summary, Proposition 67:

• "Prohibits grocery and certain other retail stores from providing single-use plastic or paper carryout bags to customers at point of sale.
• Permits sale of recycled paper bags and reusable bags to customers, at a minimum price of 10 cents per bag."

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Your polling place is listed on the back of the sample ballot you receive in the mail. It can also be found by visiting www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place or by calling (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

For more on all of California's measures, see below:

• What Is Proposition 51?
• What Is Proposition 52?
• What Is Proposition 53?
• What Is Proposition 54?
• What Is Proposition 55?
• What Is Proposition 56?
• What Is Proposition 57?
• What Is Proposition 58?
• What Is Proposition 59?
• What Is Proposition 60?
• What Is Proposition 61?
• What Is Proposition 62?
• What Is Proposition 63?
• What Is Proposition 64?
• What Is Proposition 65?
• What Is Proposition 66?
• What Is Proposition 67?

City News Service contributed to this report. Used via Creative Commons Sam Felder/Flickr