The House passed a bill Thursday banning plastic bags for large retailers on the Outer Banks, sending the legislation wafting back over to the Senate.
The bill, a pet project of Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight, passed by a 78 to 41 vote, despite Republican criticism that it was unconstitutional. The Senate already passed the bill, but senators now will have to agree to a minor change made in the House.
Advocates argue that the bill affects only the Outer Banks and is aimed at reducing the unsightly plastic totes frequently seen blowing across the picturesque -- and tourist-revenue-generating -- beaches. Rep. Paul Stam, of Apex and House Republican leader, argued Thursday that the constitution prohibits a local-oriented bill that affects broader trade and public health.
The only other jurisdiction in the nation that has passed such a ban is San Francisco. China also has banned the bags.
Blog RSS feed
Re: Plastic bags blow back to Senate
Just found out that John Hood is president of the John Locke Foundation. I was very proud to join and send them a nice donation. Thank you willelliot4