Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB290

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/25/23
• Refer: 5/25/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Local regulation of certain containers.

Impact

The passage of AB290 would significantly alter the landscape of local governance in Wisconsin regarding environmental and consumer protection efforts. By removing the prohibition against local regulations on auxiliary containers, municipalities would regain the power to enact ordinances tailored to their specific contexts and needs. This change could encourage more targeted responses to issues such as plastic waste and littering, enabling cities to implement plans that reflect their community values and environmental priorities.

Summary

Assembly Bill 290 aims to repeal existing restrictions on the authority of local governments in Wisconsin to regulate auxiliary containers. Under current law, political subdivisions are limited in their ability to enact rules governing the use, sale, or disposal of packaging materials such as bags, cups, or bottles, which are classified as auxiliary containers. This bill seeks to eliminate these constraints, allowing local authorities greater flexibility to impose regulations on these containers as they see fit.

Contention

However, the bill has potential points of contention among stakeholders. Supporters argue that empowering local governments to regulate auxiliary containers is crucial for addressing the unique challenges posed by waste management in different regions. Conversely, opponents could raise concerns about the potential for a patchwork of conflicting regulations that might arise, complicating compliance for businesses operating across municipal lines. This tension reflects broader debates on the balance between local control and uniformity in state legislation.