The following is an archived video story. The text content of that video story is available below for reference. The original video has been deleted and is no longer available.

Austin's Bag Ban Fighting To Survive


Just 20 days after Austin's bag ban goes into effect -- now there's an effort to do away with it. "Banning the ban" is a hot button issue pitting state versus local government.

A hearing at the capitol Wednesday was over a bill being called The Shopping Bag Freedom Act.

Since Wednesday morning more than a dozen witnesses for and against banning bags packed the urban affairs committee room.

HB 2416 authored by Republican State Representative Drew Springer of Muenster would  give retailers and consumers across the  state the freedom to give and  receive plastic and  paper bags.

For those against the bill they say it's a matter of following policies to reduce waste and recycle and build a Texas free from pollution.

But State Rep. Springer says bans like the one in Austin can lead to other bans that can take away people's rights. "Whether we look at soft drinks and what size they can be or whether or not we can have lids on cups or straws because they are seen as the next item of litter," he says.

The bill is pending at this point. People from Austin that spoke at the hearing they say it's about local governments having control and the right to establish or do away with a bag ban.

By Angel Covarrubias