Nick Reisman reports for Spectrum News that the state budget is due March 31, and a plastic bag ban is likely. Reisman reports that the only question still being debated in Albany is whether a fee will be added on carryout paper bags, and if so, where those funds are directed. “I think we've had good discussions with the governor and the Senate. I think the conference is clearly ready to ban plastic bags. The question is what are you going to do if you charge a fee? We've always felt that it should go to the environment,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. Read the full story at the Spectrum News website.