A bill for an act relating to county and city authorization to impose fees for the provision of single-use plastic bags.
Impact
One major impact of HF679 is that it amends existing regulations that prevent local governments from enforcing ordinances that differ from state laws regarding consumer merchandise. Under current law, cities and counties are restricted from setting additional standards that might complicate the regulatory landscape. However, with this bill, local authorities can introduce fees for single-use plastic bags, which could lead to diverse policy implementations across different regions within Iowa. The possibility of local fees is intended to encourage residents to reduce their reliance on single-use bags, aligning local practices with broader environmental goals.
Summary
House File 679 is a legislative proposal designed to authorize counties and cities in Iowa to impose fees for the provision of single-use plastic bags. The bill specifically defines a single-use plastic bag as one that is provided by a retailer to consumers at the point of sale, excluding certain types such as prescription bags and those used for unwrapped food items. This definition is significant as it differentiates single-use plastic bags from broader classifications of containers, which currently face regulations under state law.
Contention
The bill may encounter contention due to the ongoing debates around environmental sustainability versus economic implications for retailers and consumers. Supporters of the bill argue that local control in tackling the issue of plastic waste is essential for communities to address their unique environmental challenges. Conversely, opponents may express concerns regarding the burden of additional fees on consumers, particularly in lower-income areas, as well as the potential complications for retailers who must navigate varying local policies. Thus, while HF679 seeks to establish regulatory flexibility at the local level, it also raises questions about equitable access and the implementation of such fees.
A bill for an act prohibiting counties and cities from providing guaranteed income programs, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 552.) Effective date: 05/01/2024.
A bill for an act relating to local government property taxes, financial authority, operations, and budgets, modifying certain transit funding, property tax credits and exemptions, and appropriations, requiring certain information related to property taxation to be provided to property owners and taxpayers, modifying provisions relating to fees for driver's licenses and nonoperator's identification cards, modifying provisions relating to certain writing fees, making penalties applicable, and including effective date, retroactive applicability, and applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1218.)
A bill for an act relating to property taxation for commercial child care centers and facilities and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 224.)
A bill for an act relating to property taxation for commercial child care centers and facilities and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 668.)
A bill for an act placing assessment limitations for property tax purposes on commercial child care facilities, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 726.)
A bill for an act placing assessment limitations for property tax purposes on commercial child care facilities, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 2655.)
A bill for an act placing assessment limitations for property tax purposes on commercial child care facilities, and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.