RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia grocery stores could be forced to do away with plastic shopping bags. House Bill 1662, introduced by Del. Michael Jones (D-Chesterfield), would make it illegal for any grocery store in Virginia to sell or distribute plastic shopping bags. Stores that violated this provision would first receive a warning. Then, on the second and any subsequent infractions, they would be fined up to $500. While the bags that you typically see at checkout would be prohibited, shoppers would still see plastic in other areas, as the bill outlines several exceptions to its rules, listed as follows: Any bag used to wrap raw meats or seafood Any bag used to package bulk items like fruit and vegetables Any bag used to hold sliced or prepared-to-order food Bags used to hold and deliver newspapers Bags sold in bulk to customers Trash bags, food storage bags and garment bags Bags used to hold bakery items like bread and pastries Additionally, these rules apply only to grocery stores -- or stores that "primarily [sell] meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and dry groceries," as the bill states. ‘This bill is about ensuring that it is not legal in Virginia to not educate your children,' The controversy behind religious exemptions from school This means restaurants would be allowed to use plastic bags for carryout or delivery and pharmacies would be able to use plastic bags for prescriptions. Grocery stores would need to develop, implement and maintain a program "to encourage [their] customers to utilize reusable bags," according to the bill's text. The measure recommends stores sell or distribute reusable bags, implement discount programs for shoppers who bring usable bags and/or launch public education campaigns about how reducing plastic waste is beneficial. Should the bill be passed, these changes would have to be implemented no later than Jan. 1, 2027. Richmond man proven innocent of child’s 1975 rape, murder could get over $3 million from state The bill is currently awaiting the review of a subcommittee of the House of Delegates' Committee on Courts and Justice.