The Albany County Legislature is holding a public hearing tonight on a pair of local laws that would change the use of plastic when people go out to shop or eat.

Local Law D would ban the use of single-use plastic shopping bags in the county. It would also incentivize the use of re-usable bags through measures like creating a $0.05 fee for customers to use recyclable paper bags.

That measure would only phase in after the statewide ban on plastic shopping bags takes effect in March of next year.

Another proposal, Local Law E, would order restaurants in Albany County to only offer plastic straws or cutlery on request. They'll still be available for people who may need them, but the law aims to make their use less common.

Supporters say these laws could help reduce harmful chemicals.

The hearing is set to begin at 7:15 tonight at the Legislative Chambers inside the Albany County Courthouse on Eagle Street.