No ban on plastic bags in Michigan - that's if a new Senate bill is passed soon. Some Michigan communities were considering bans or restrictions on plastic bags. But state lawmakers say no way.
A senate committee met Wednesday to discuss Senate Bill 853 that essentially strikes down any potential local bans on plastic bags.
Republican Senator Jim Stamas of Midland introduced the bill last month. The legislation would prohibit local governments from restricting use or imposing a fee to use plastic bags - even certain cups and bottles.
Some residents have complained about plastic bags filling up landfills, and littering Michigan roadways. In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Stamas says Michigan needs a statewide standard when it comes to dealing with plastic bags and other containers.
There are no Michigan counties that currently ban the use of plastic bags currently. A senate review found that it wouldn't cost Michigan money to enact the standard.
California banned single-use plastic bags to some controversy back in 2014. Hawaii and the District of Columbia also created restrictions on plastic bags.
