Bill
HB 3193
Missouri would phase out certain single-use plastics in state parks, require nonplastic procurement, and allow local governments to regulate plastic bags.
HB 3193 Summary (Missouri, 2026 Session)
Purpose and intent
- Phases out the use of certain single-use plastic products in Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites.
- Repeals current state law that prohibits local governments from restricting plastic bags, restoring local authority to regulate plastics at the municipal level.
Key provisions
1) Definitions (Section 253.565)
- Compostable product: meets ASTM standards for industrial or home compostability.
- Plastic bag: any bag made wholly or partly of plastic provided at point of sale for carrying goods and not designed for long-term, repeated use. Exclusions include bags for unwrapped foods (produce, bulk items, meat), bags for medications, and bags used for garbage, recycling, or pet waste.
- Polystyrene: includes EPS and XPS used in foam/beverage cups, containers, and protective packaging.
- Retail concessionaire: an entity operating a retail shop, food service, or restaurant under contract with the Division of State Parks.
- Single-use plastic bottled water: a sealed plastic bottle for one-time use, excluding refillable containers.
- Single-use plastic product: primarily plastic, designed for one-time use before disposal (examples: plastic bottles, cups, straws, cutlery, clamshells, etc.).
2) Procurement preference (Effective Jan 1, 2027)
- The Division of State Parks must require concession contracts to give procurement preference to suppliers offering nonplastic alternatives that meet health and safety standards.
3) Prohibition for state parks concessions (Effective Jan 1, 2028)
- Retail concessionaires operating within state parks may not sell or distribute:
- Single-use plastic bags
- Single-use bottled water
- Polystyrene beverage cups or food containers
- Exceptions to these prohibitions are specified in the bill (not fully enumerated in the text provided).
4) Exceptions and non-applicability
- Does not apply to single-use plastics that are medically necessary or required for health/safety (e.g., certain medical packaging).
- Applies where a commercially available or comparable alternative does not exist, with written documentation by the Division of State Parks.
- Emergency response or disaster operations where disposable plastics are required for public safety.
5) Repeal of plastic-bag preemption (political subdivisions)
- The existing law prohibiting local bans, fees, or taxes on paper vs. plastic bags would be repealed, restoring local governments’ authority to regulate plastic bags and other single-use plastics.
Timeline
- Jan 1, 2027: Concession contracts with state parks must give preference to nonplastic alternatives.
- Jan 1, 2028: State park retail concessionaires cannot sell/distribute single-use plastic bags, single-use bottled water, or polystyrene cups/containers (subject to exceptions).
Cost and fiscal notes
- State government: Estimated net zero impact on general revenue and state funds for 2027–2029; DSP (Division of State Parks) notes a potential indirect impact on concessionaires’ costs, but no direct fiscal impact on the agency itself.
- Local government and small business: Potential impact, particularly on local vendors and small businesses that supply alternatives; various public input indicates concerns about local control and financial implications for businesses.
Affected parties
- State: Division of State Parks and state parks concessionaires.
- Local governments: Potentially empowered to regulate plastic bags and other single-use plastics (if they pass local ordinances).
- Private sector: Concessionaires and suppliers of nonplastic alternatives.
- General public: park visitors and residents (through changes in available packaging and products in park facilities).
Notes
- The bill emphasizes environmental benefits by reducing plastic waste and microplastics, while balancing local autonomy and public health/safety considerations.
- Public comments submitted in support and opposition highlight local governance, tourism impacts, and waste-management costs as key practical considerations.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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