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Committee approves ban on state purchase of promotional items made in China
Summary
A House bill that would prohibit state agencies from using public funds to buy promotional items manufactured in China passed the Senate committee after proponents said it protects taxpayer dollars; sponsors said the ban excludes uniforms and does not restrict private purchases.
A Senate committee on government affairs voted to pass House Bill 16‑04 on a voice vote after proponents said the measure would stop state agencies from spending public dollars on promotional items made in China.
The bill, introduced in committee by Representative Mindy Macklinden, would prohibit state agencies from buying promotional items manufactured in China. Macklinden said the measure "is a straightforward common sense measure that prohibits state agencies from buying promotional items that are made in China," and argued it follows prior steps to limit purchases from Chinese government‑linked companies.
The bill’s sponsor told the committee the measure does not affect private citizens or businesses: "This bill is not anti free market," Macklinden said. She clarified the prohibition applies to promotional items bought with public funds and does not include uniforms.
Committee members asked for scope clarifications. Senator Clark asked whether the ban covered giveaway items such as bumper stickers or hats and the sponsor confirmed those items would be covered if purchased by a state agency. Senator Sullivan asked whether a private vendor reselling Chinese‑made items to a state agency would be allowed; Macklinden replied no — if the purchase is made with public dollars the country of manufacture matters regardless of whether the state bought directly from the foreign manufacturer or from a local vendor.
A financial impact statement was noted as unknown in committee remarks; Macklinden said comparable products are available from other countries, citing Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Mexico as examples. No formal fiscal estimate of increased cost to agencies was offered during the hearing.
The committee approved the bill on a voice vote. The motion to "do pass" was made in committee by Senator Sullivan and seconded by Senator Hammer; the committee recorded the passage by voice vote without a roll‑call tally.
Supporters said the measure is a way to ensure public dollars "strengthen our state and our country," while opponents did not sign up to speak during the committee hearing. The bill now advances from committee as passed.
