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WI SB779
WI SB779Prohibiting food and beverages from being served in foam polystyrene packaging and providing a penalty. (FE)
summary
Introduced
12/12/2025
12/12/2025
In Committee
12/12/2025
12/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits an operator of a retail food business from serving food and beverages in foam polystyrene packaging. The prohibition under the bill does not apply to either of the following: 1) containers enclosing food or beverage that have been filled and sealed outside the state; or 2) containers used for packaging raw meat, poultry, fish, or seafood to be consumed off the premises where sold. Under the bill, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection may grant a waiver from the prohibition lasting up to one year after the bill takes effect to a retail food business operator. DATCP may grant a waiver under the bill if doing so is necessary to avoid an undue hardship or practical difficulty for a retail food business operator that is not common among similarly situated retail food business operators. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-5764/1 MDE:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 779
AI Summary
This bill prohibits retail food business operators from serving food and beverages in foam polystyrene packaging (a lightweight, disposable material commonly used in takeout containers and packaging), with two specific exceptions: containers that were sealed outside the state before receipt, and containers used for raw meat, poultry, fish, or seafood to be consumed off-premises. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) may grant a one-year waiver to a business if strict adherence would cause undue hardship or practical difficulty that is not common among similar businesses. Businesses that violate the prohibition more than 90 days after receiving written notice will face escalating financial penalties, starting with a $250 forfeit for the first violation and increasing to $500 for subsequent violations after 180 days. The law will take effect on the first day of the 13th month following its publication, giving businesses time to adjust to the new requirements and transition away from foam polystyrene packaging.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (27)
Tim Carpenter (D)*,
Jodi Habush Sinykin (D)*,
Chris Larson (D)*,
Melissa Ratcliff (D)*,
Kelda Roys (D)*,
Jeff Smith (D)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D)*,
Jamie Wall (D)*,
Clint Anderson (D),
Deb Andraca (D),
Ryan Clancy (D),
Ben DeSmidt (D),
Joan Fitzgerald (D),
Alex Joers (D),
Darrin Madison (D),
Renuka Mayadev (D),
Vincent Miresse (D),
Supreme Moore Omokunde (D),
Lori Palmeri (D),
Pricilla Prado (D),
Ann Roe (D),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Lee Snodgrass (D),
Angela Stroud (D),
Lisa Subeck (D),
Angelito Tenorio (D),
Randy Udell (D),
Last Action
Read first time and referred to Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs (on 12/12/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb779 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB779.pdf |
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