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HF 3620

Purchase of single-use plastic food service ware and bottles prohibited.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Katie Jones and 4 co-sponsors

HF 3620 bans state purchases of certain single-use plastic food service ware and plastic bottles, requiring reusable or compostable alternatives where feasible.

Author added Jones
#environment #foodandnutrition #stateagenciesanddepartments
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 3620

Summary of HF 3620 (Minnesota, 2025-2026 Session)

Title

Purchase of single-use plastic food service ware and bottles prohibited.

Purpose and intent

HF 3620 proposes a prohibition on the purchase of certain single-use plastic items used for food service and bottled beverages. The bill aims to reduce plastic waste, curb environmental pollution, and promote sustainable alternatives in government procurement and/or state-funded programs (the exact procurement scope would be defined in the bill’s text). The overarching goal is to shift away from disposable plastics toward more reusable, recyclable, or compostable options.

Key provisions and changes (as typically included in this type of measure)

  • Prohibited items: The bill would ban the purchase of select single-use plastic food service ware (e.g., utensils, plates, bowls, straws) and single-use plastic bottles. The specific list of prohibited items and any exceptions would be set forth in the statute or accompanying policy language.
  • Effective date and phase-in: The bill would establish an effective date for compliance (often staggered to allow agencies, vendors, and institutions to adjust). There may be interim periods or transition guidelines for existing contracts.
  • Definitions: Precise definitions for terms such as “single-use,” “plastic,” “food service ware,” and “bottles” to ensure consistent interpretation and enforcement.
  • Alternatives requirement: Likely to require the use of reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives where feasible. The bill may specify preferred materials (e.g., paper, plant-based products, approved durable ware).
  • Exemptions and waivers: Possible exemptions for emergency use, certain temperatures (hot liquids), or when alternatives are not readily available or cost-prohibitive. There might be a waiver process for exceptional circumstances.
  • Procurement and contracting: Provisions could direct state agencies and contractors to procure compliant items, update bidding criteria, and modify purchasing policies accordingly.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Mechanisms to enforce the prohibition, including penalties for noncompliant procurement, monitoring requirements, and reporting obligations.
  • Reporting and oversight: Annual or periodic reporting on compliance, savings, and environmental impact; potential involvement of a state department (e.g., Environment, Administration) to administer the program.
  • Compatibility with existing law: Provisions ensuring alignment with current waste reduction, environmental sustainability, or procurement statutes.

Who and what would be affected

  • State agencies and departments: Responsible for complying with the procurement prohibition in their contracts and purchases.
  • Contractors and vendors: Suppliers of single-use plastic food service ware and bottles would need to provide compliant alternatives or adjust offerings.
  • State-funded programs and facilities: Institutions such as state colleges, prisons, and other government-operated facilities that procure food service ware may need to adjust purchasing practices.
  • Public impact: The policy could affect common items used in cafeterias, prisons, correctional facilities, hospitals, government-run events, and anywhere the state procures food service ware.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: Introduced and referred to the State Government Finance and Policy committee in February 2026.
  • Sponsors: Primary authorship and co-sponsors include:
    • Katie Jones
    • Lucy Rehm
    • Fue Lee
    • Sydney Jordan
    • Kari Rehrauer (Jones is listed as an author as of April 7, 2026.)
  • Next steps: The bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor debates. If advanced, it would move toward passage in the Minnesota House and then onward to the Senate, with final action subject to the legislative process and any potential veto or gubernatorial signing.

Notes

  • The specific language, definitions, and exemptions are not included in the summary above. For precise details on which items are prohibited, the exact effective date, waivers, and enforcement mechanisms, consulting the bill text HF 3620 as introduced and any amended versions is recommended.

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

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