It's already happened in Montgomery County, but a new proposal could institute a statewide plastic bag tax.

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Supporters say the fee would help the environment. If it passes, Maryland would become the first state in the nation to add such a tax.

But the bill has its fair share of supporters and opponents.

Shopper Jennifer Cibor brings her own bags to the store. She sees the proposal as a step in the right direction.

"I think it's good for the environment, and it will make people think twice before they use unreusable [bags]," she said. 

Washington, D.C. imposed a bag tax in 2010. Since then, according to D.C. officials, plastic bag use has been cut in half.

Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Vermont and Washington state are also considering a statewide bag tax.

But some opponents say bag taxes are a cash grab by the government.

Patrick Gleeson, with Americans for Tax Reform, explained, "What they really are is a way for limousine liberals in Bethesda to feel better about themselves by imposing a tax on the poor and working class."

Maryland shoppers have mixed opinions about the proposal.

Hanover resident Jeff Winston said, "I'm not opposed to it; but from what I've heard in Montgomery County, it didn't decrease the amount of plastic bags that were used."

"I don't think it's a good thing," Kara Douglas of Forestville added. " I think we should keep getting our bags for free. We pay enough taxes as it is now."