American Samoa's House of Representatives has approved in final reading a bill banning plastic bags.
Officials of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Protection Agency, the Coral Reef Advisory Group told a House hearing last week that the bill will help protect the territory's coral reefs and marine life.
The Senate will not be able to review the bill until the Fono convenes for the fourth regular session in July.
If the Senate approves the bill and the governor signs it, it will still not become effective for six months.
This is to allow reasonable time for stores to make the transition to other more environmentally friendly bags.
