RICHMOND, VA (Rocktown Now) — Virginia lawmakers could ban plastic bags at grocery store checkouts.

Chesterfield Democratic Delegate Michael Jones is the primary sponsor of a bill designed to encourage the use of reusable shopping bags.

Some disposable plastic bags would be exempt from the measure, including produce and bakery bags and bags used to wrap meats.

Stores could be fined up to 500 dollars if found in violation.

The bill has not moved forward since it was assigned to a House subcommittee last week.