WA has similar law. It’s about saving the ocean from plastic pollution, which is, I’ve read here and there, a serious problem causing death of fish and sea birds.
I’m all in favor of fish and birds. But what we have now instead of single-use plastic, is tough, stronger, re-usable plastic that is far, far worse for fish and birds. I have a pile of them and take them with me to the store time and time again.
Paper bags are fine for the ocean, but you have to cut down trees to make them. A renewable resource at least.
Possibly interesting note: Decades ago, when I lived in SF, my neighbors were a lovely Chinese couple with three adorable kids. Invited me to dinner several times, great food, good company. And a nice Christian family of churchgoers. Then suddenly they moved away, bought a fabulous house in the most expensive neighborhood with money she made.
Her business? First person to import plastic bags from China and sell them to grocery chain.
Born and raised NYC boy. First place I saw plastic grocery bags in common use back in the 70s was in Chinatown.
IIRC they were orange in color and were being used primarily for produce.