ALBANY, N.Y. (AP/WKBW) — The Democrat-controlled New York Legislature has officially given final approval to a state budget that bans plastic bags statewide and imposes new tolls in Manhattan.
Lawmakers began voting on the $175.5 billion budget Sunday. The senate adjourned around 3:15 a.m. and the assembly adjourned around 7:45 a.m.
When the ban takes effect next year, New York will follow Hawaii and California as the third state in which single-use plastic bags are banned.
The tolls on motorists driving south of 61st Street are expected to start in 2021 as a way to discourage traffic and raise money for New York City subways. The specific toll amount will vary based on time and day and will be set by a review panel.
The budget also eliminates cash bail for most criminal defendants.
