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Texas Lawmaker Wants Austin Bag Ban Repealed


A Texas lawmaker is fighting to repeal Austin's citywide bag ban ordinance.

Representative Drew Springer is "shopping around" HB 2416.  If passed the bill would give retailers the freedom to supply single-use plastic bags to customers.

Suzan Zaghmouth doesn't want to see single-use plastic bags make a comeback.

"Plastic bags are not needed," said Zaghmouth.

Protestors picketed outside the state capitol where the House Committee on Urban Affairs held a public hearing on the bill.

"We are here to oppose that bill that will take away the ability of local governments to deal with pollution problems that they have to foot the bill for," said Robin Schneider.

But the bill's sponsor calls Austin's bag ban an example of government overreach.  Springer says, "It's all for show, plastic bags make up just .6 percent of Austin's litter."

Austinite Debbie Kreuser believes the percentage is much higher. "I think everyone in Austin is just sick and tired of going down a city street seeing plastic bags thrown along city streets," she says.

And Texans like Ellis Pickett believe cities like Austin should be able to tackle trash anyway they want.

"Local communities know what to do best in their neighborhood," said Pickett.

If HB 2416 makes it out of committee it will go to the House for a vote.  If it passes it will go to the Senate for debate and vote.

By Alex Boyer