Cities and counties in Idaho would need state approval to enforce plastic bag bans under a new proposal currently making its way through the Idaho Statehouse.
The Idaho House voted 52-17 on Wednesday to make it illegal for cities to impose bag bans, restrictions on Styrofoam containers and other disposable products. If approved, local officials would need permission from the Idaho Legislature to enact the restrictions.
Currently, no cities enforce plastic bag bans in Idaho, but such efforts have been made in the past.
The proposals have angered minority Democratic members, who argue that their conservative colleagues will scoff at any federal government involvement but impose the same heavy handiness on cities and towns — especially those known for leaning liberal.
The bill now moves to the Senate for approval.