October 8, 2010: Baltimore Mayor signed into law the Plastic Bag Reduction Program. The City debated for two years various measures intended to reduce the use of plastic bags. One of the proposed measures that failed was plastic bag tax. Unlike many other localities that impose a 5-cent fee per bag, the Baltimore proposed measure was 25 cents (See RegState.net). This proposition was not adopted.

The Baltimore Plastic Bag Reduction Program Ordinance establishes a regulatory framework that mostly attempts to shape consumer preferences.
The ordinance declares its purpose "to reduce the quantity of plastic bags distributed by dealers in Baltimore City and, thereby, reduce the environmental and economic costs of handling plastic in City landfills, stormwater drains, outfalls, and the Inner Harbor."
It specifically provides that "[a]ll dealers, whether of food or other goods, who offer to provide checkout or carryout bags must prominently post at their registers a policy of providing plastic bags only if requested
by the customer."

The regulatory framework that the Ordinance creates intends to encourage consumers to use reusable bags.

The Ordinance is in effect as of December 1, 2010.