Container bans

The Senate voted to send a ban on municipal ordinances that restrict the use of certain containers, such as plastic bags or to-go containers, to the governor on Wednesday.

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro, said House Bill 1704, by Rep. David Ray, R-Maumelle, “creates uniformity in commerce within our state.” Sullivan added that several states have similar laws.

Sen. Greg Leding, D-Fayetteville, spoke against the bill. Fayetteville is the only city in the state that has adopted such a ban, which Leding said is popular and successful.

The bill was sent to Gov. Asa Hutchinson on a 24-6 vote, with Democrats opposed and five lawmakers not voting.