TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – The Kansas House has voted to prohibit local governments from banning single-use plastics, like plastic bags and straws. But the bill fell short of a veto-proof majority and may not survive. Democratic Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a similar measure last year.
Supporters argue plastic bans hurt small businesses that would need to spend more money on alternatives. Republican Representative Pat Proctor says many restaurants could even go bankrupt. “Restaurants operate on a razor thin margin. And we’ve already had to raise our prices because of the cost of eggs, the cost of meat,” Proctor said.
Critics say the bill takes away local control from city and county governments. The bill now heads to the Senate.
