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Senate keeps expanded plastic bag rules but removes some single-use restrictions; bill clears Senate
Summary
Senate Bill 551B, which expands a ban on single-use plastic bags at checkout and adjusts other single-use plastic restrictions, passed the Senate after amendments from the House removed prohibitions on certain single-use condiments and small toiletry containers unless requested.
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Senate on Tuesday concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 551B, a measure that expands the ban on single-use plastic bags at checkout and narrows other single-use plastic restrictions after negotiation with the House.
Sen. Solman, supporting the amended bill, said the House change "removes the prohibition on food and beverage providers or convenience stores from providing single use plastic utensils or single use condiments packaging to a consumer upon request" and "removes the prohibition on a lodging establishment from providing personal health or beauty products in a small plastic personal health or beauty container... unless requested." He said the main focus remains reducing plastic pollution and that the bill moves Oregon "one step closer to our goals of zero waste and breaking free from plastic."
Sen. Robinson said he remained opposed and noted practical concerns that some Oregonians prefer plastic bags for carrying certain items. "Sometimes paper's great, but sometimes if you're carrying stuff, plastic bags are much better," he said. He urged colleagues to vote no.
Sen. Solman responded on the floor that residents can still bring reusable bags of any material and encouraged reuse, calling the measure a win for the environment and urging an aye vote.
The clerk called the roll on concurrence and the Senate declared the bill repassed after the vote. The floor tally as read indicates the bill received the support needed for a constitutional majority.
