Legislature Rejects Bill Banning Plastic Bags, Pass Others

A California bill that would have banned the distributions of single-use plastic bags by supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores was rejected by the Senate. The bill authored by Assemblywoman Julia Brownley failed on a 14-21 vote. “This is a sad day for California,” Brownley said. “Communities across the state were waiting for the state to adopt a uniform, statewide ban on single-use bags before they adopt their own ordinances. The state failed them.” The bill, which was backed by the California Grocers Association, would have banned single-use carryout bags for supermarkets and pharmacies starting in 2012 and for liquor stores and convenience stores starting in 2013. The Valley Industry and Commerce Association also recommended actions by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger regarding several business-related bills passed by the Legislature. Among the bills the group encouraged the governor to sign were on commercial filming in the state, insurance premium changes, awarding of doctorate degrees in physical therapy, making it easier for the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles to implement local economic development programs, banning mobile billboards except for use in a parking lot or parking garage, and allowing Los Angeles International Airport and Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, to eliminate dedicated rental-car shuttles through construction of central, consolidated offices. The group is also asking the governor to veto several bills, which include prohibiting an employer from obtaining a consumer credit report for employment purposes; banning the sale of alcoholic beverages through self-service checkout systems at grocery stores; and expanding recycling to every multi-family dwelling and commercial business in California and directing the state to develop a plan to reach a 75 percent diversion rate; and requiring all future-enacted investment credits to sunset after seven years. Jessica Selva