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S 5865

Prohibits the purchase of single-use plastic bottles by the state and any governmental entity or political subdivision or public benefit corporation thereof

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Gounardes

Prohibits state and all governmental entities from buying single-use plastic bottles; requires shift to reusable or bulk beverages, cutting public-procurement plastic waste.

REFERRED TO PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTS
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5865

Summary of Bill S 5865

Overview

S 5865 seeks to prohibit the purchase of single-use plastic bottles by the state and any governmental entity, political subdivision, or public benefit corporation thereof. The bill was introduced on March 3, 2025 and referred to the Senate Committee on Procurement and Contracts. The primary sponsor is Senator Andrew Gounardes. Related companion legislation exists in other chambers (A 2077) and a prior-session Senate bill S 9204.

Purpose and Intent

  • Reduce plastic waste and environmental impact associated with single-use beverage containers.
  • Align state and local government procurement practices with broader sustainability and public health goals.
  • Establish a uniform procurement standard across state agencies, political subdivisions, and related public entities.

Key Provisions (high-level)

  • Prohibition on purchasing single-use plastic bottles by:
    • The state
    • Any governmental entity
    • Political subdivisions
    • Public benefit corporations thereof
  • The scope implies that all purchases of single-use plastic bottles by covered entities would be prohibited, with implementation details specified in the bill text.
  • The bill would presumably require affected entities to adopt alternative purchasing practices (e.g., reusable containers, bulk beverages, or provision of drinking water through approved means). Specific methods, definitions, exemptions, and enforcement mechanisms would be contained in the enacted text.

Entities Affected

  • State agencies and departments
  • Local governments, municipalities, and other political subdivisions
  • Public benefit corporations and related instrumentalities

Definitions, Exemptions, and Enforcement

  • The exact definitions (e.g., what constitutes a “single-use plastic bottle”) and any exemptions (emergency needs, medical requirements, supply chain considerations) are not provided in the summary. These would be detailed in the bill.
  • Enforcement mechanisms, deadlines for compliance, and any penalties or corrective actions would be specified in the full text.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Senate Procurement and Contracts Committee.
  • Legislative actions recorded: 2025-03-03 (referral noted).
  • Next steps: Committee consideration, potential amendments, and floor action in the Senate; possible companion actions in the Assembly given related bills.

Sponsors and Related Legislation

  • Primary sponsor: Andrew Gounardes.
  • Related bills:
    • S 9204 (prior-session)
    • A 2077 (companion) [listed twice, indicating cross-chamber interest]

Potential Impacts

  • Environmental: Potential reductions in plastic bottle waste and related litter.
  • Economic/Procurement: Changes in purchasing policies may affect vendors and the cost profile of beverages and related services.
  • Administrative: New compliance requirements for state and local entities; need for training, monitoring, and reporting.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Monitor committee hearings and amendments for specifics on definitions, exemptions, and implementation timelines.
  • Review the companion Assembly bill (A 2077) for parallel provisions and potential cross-chamber synchronization.
  • Consider how the prohibition could impact school districts, counties, and public-benefit corporations in your area.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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