Bill summary: STC is opposed to SB 1126/HB 1641 – Regulation of Auxiliary Containers. If passed, this bill would ban all local governments in Florida from banning any kind of container that is used to transport merchandise, food, or beverages, including single-use plastic. The bill also proposes to cancel the update of the State’s retail bag study, which would analyze the need for new or different regulation of auxiliary containers, wrappings, or disposable plastic bags used by consumers to carry products from retail establishments.

How this bill could harm sea turtles: Consuming or being entangled in single-use plastics is one of the largest threats to sea turtle survival. Single-use plastic is ubiquitous in the marine environment and can impact sea turtles at every life stage, from hatchling to adult. One way that governments have addressed this problem is by limiting the use of single-use plastics – such as banning polystyrene, straws, cups, utensils, and more – within their jurisdiction. The State has already preempted local governments’ ability to ban plastic bags; this bill would eliminate local governments’ ability to ban the remaining types of single-use plastic that can be harmful to wildlife.