Bill > HB25

This bill prohibits restaurants from providing prepared food in disposable food service ware made of polystyrene foam, which is defined as a type of expanded foam made from styrene monomer, often known by brand names like Styrofoam. The state government is also prohibited from using or purchasing this material. The bill encourages restaurants to reuse food service ware instead of using disposable items and allows the state department to create regulations permitting restaurants to use clean containers provided by customers, provided procedures are in place to prevent contamination. Exceptions to the polystyrene foam ban include food prepared or packaged outside the state, areas affected by a disaster emergency, and situations where a restaurant can prove that an affordable alternative is unavailable or that complying with the ban would cause significant financial and logistical hardship. Additionally, municipalities can pass ordinances allowing the use of polystyrene foam, and restaurants within those municipalities would be exempt from the state ban. The bill also includes a transition period, allowing restaurants and the state to use existing polystyrene foam inventory purchased before the effective date of the law, which is set for January 1, 2027.