SACRAMENTO – Last week, the California State Senate gave final legislative approval to a measure that would phase out single-use plastic bags in supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores as part of an effort to rid beaches and streets of litter.

The measure, which now goes to Gov. Jerry Brown for consideration, would make California the first state government to approve such a ban, although the bags are outlawed throughout Hawaii because of local jurisdiction laws. More than 120 cities and counties throughout California have already outlawed plastic bags.

If approved, the ban would take effect in grocery stores and pharmacies on July 1, 2015, and would extend to convenience and liquor stores a year later.