California approved the first statewide ban on single-use plastic bags when Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a plastic bag ban bill. The bill, which was jointly authored by Sens. Alex Padilla, Kevin de Leon and Ricardo Lara, will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015.
In a press release, the senators who wrote the bill applauded Gov. Brown for signing it because they believe banning single-use plastic bags is a step toward environmental sustainability and a greener economy.
The new law will prohibit grocery stores and pharmacies from making single-use plastic bags  available starting July 1, 2015. Beginning July 1, 2016, convenience and liquor stores will be prohibited from having plastic bags. The law will also grandfather in existing local ordinances and provide up to $2 million in loans to businesses transitioning to the manufacture of reusable bags.
Malibu passed a plastic bag ban in 2008.