Bills
Budget Amendment No. 84: attempting to ban local ordinances controlling consumer goods
Bill #: H.4000
Session: 2019-2020
Topics:
Regulatory
During the Senate debate of the budget bill (H.4000) in 2019, Senator Massey proposed a budget amendment that would have prohibited local communities from adopting ordinances from banning consumer goods – including plastic bags.
Senator Massey’s amendment was an attempt to circumvent the normal process for a bill to be approved by inserting it into the budget. Senator Massey had shepherded a bill (S.394) through committee that would have stripped communities of their ability to ban plastic bags, and he was frustrated that its passage was being stalled on the floor of the Senate.
Thankfully, Senators recognized this attempt to circumvent the normal process and defeated the budget amendment. Passionate speeches and debate were waged by Senators Senn, Davis, Johnson, and Campsen.
- + Pro Conservation Vote
- - Anti Conservation Vote
- EA Excused Absence
- NV Not Voting
- NA Not in Office
- A Abstained (Conflict of Interest)
H.4000 (Tabling of Amendment No. 84, attempting to ban local ordinances controlling consumer goods)
Ultimately, the amendment was stopped by a vote to “table” it, thus killing it 27-15. This vote serves as a useful indicator of which Senators support home rule and the right of communities to pass ordinances controlling plastic pollution.
- This is an Anti-Conservation Amendment.
- The pro-conservation vote is NAY for tabling the amendment and halting it’s passage.
