Bill would prevent Idaho cities from banning plastic grocery bags

Rep. Clark Kauffman says his bill to prevent Idaho cities from banning plastic grocery bags or other types of containers is a “business-friendly” bill that’s drawn broad support, except for opposition from the Association of Idaho Cities. “But I’ve gotten letters from mayors in my district supporting it,” said Kauffman, R-Filer.

The bill, HB 372 , is up for a vote in the House today, after clearing a House committee on a unanimous vote. Hilex Poly, a plastic bag manufacturer in Jerome, in Kauffman’s district, brought the issue to his attention, he said. “They have over 200 jobs, good-paying jobs, they’re expanding,” Kauffman said. “They need predictability – they need to know their products are not going to be banned.”

Though some cities around the country have banned plastic grocery bags, none in Idaho has passed a local ban so far, Kauffman said. “A couple have tried,” he said. “If the people of Idaho want that, let’s have the discussion here and make the case. Let’s not have a patchwork of different regulations and rules.”

Kauffman said his bill would still allow cities to restrict the types of containers allowed at city-run events, like when Hailey had a parade and required people to use re-usable water bottles rather than disposables.

“The state has primacy for a lot of things, and I think this should be one of them,” Kauffman said. “If it’s important enough for either environmental or business reasons to bring it forth, let’s have the conversation at the state level.”

He said a lot of the material used in plastic grocery bags is recycled.