PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Twenty-one South Dakota legislators have signed on in support of a bill that would prohibit local governments from banning plastic bags, straws and other products.
Eight states have banned single-use plastic bags and 15 states, including Minnesota and North Dakota, have adopted laws prohibiting government entities from banning plastic bags, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Republican Sen. John Wiik tells the Argus Leader he decided to introduce the legislation after working with retailers on the issue and seeing neighboring states attempt similar legislation.
“I just thought it was time to move ahead and give the small businesses, your mom-and-pop convenience stores and small town businesses, a little more solid footing going into the future,” Wiik said.
The question of a ban rose to the surface in Sioux Falls last year after the flooded Big Sioux River left thousands of plastic bags stuck in the trees along the river banks when the water receded.
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