Stamford lawmakers passed an ordinance that would create the strongest plastic-bag ban in the state.

The city's Board of Representatives voted in favor of the proposal that would outlaw plastic bags and require stores to charge 10 cents for each paper bag used.

The board member who wrote the ordinance says communities across the country have dealt with plastic bags in a variety of ways.

"We believe that it was our duty to do our due diligence and consider all of the alternatives before settling on one that we felt was best for the city of Stamford," says Rep. Jonathan Jacobson (D-12).

If signed into law by the mayor, the ban will go into effect in six months.