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Bill

A 1585

Requires the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to prohibit the sale of single use plastic and polystyrene foam in state parks

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brown and 3 co-sponsors

Bill A 1585 bans single-use plastics and polystyrene foam in state parks, promoting sustainability and reducing pollution for visitors and vendors alike.

REFERRED TO TOURISM, PARKS, ARTS AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
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Bill Summary · A 1585

Summary of Bill A 1585

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 1585
  • Title: Requires the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to prohibit the sale of single-use plastic and polystyrene foam in state parks
  • Status: Referred to Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development
  • Introduced: January 10, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 1585 is to address environmental concerns related to plastic waste by prohibiting the sale of single-use plastics and polystyrene foam products within state parks. This initiative aims to reduce pollution, protect wildlife, and promote sustainable practices in recreational areas.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition of Sales: The bill mandates that the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation implement regulations to ban the sale of:

    • Single-use plastic items (e.g., plastic bags, utensils, straws)
    • Polystyrene foam products (e.g., foam containers, cups)
  • Implementation Timeline: While specific timelines for enforcement are not detailed in the bill, the introduction date indicates that discussions and potential regulations will be developed following the bill's referral to the appropriate committee.

Affected Parties

  • State Parks Visitors: The bill will directly impact individuals visiting state parks, encouraging them to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.
  • Vendors and Concessionaires: Businesses operating within state parks will need to adjust their product offerings to comply with the new regulations, potentially leading to a shift towards more sustainable alternatives.
  • Environmental Organizations: Groups focused on conservation and environmental protection may support this bill as it aligns with their goals of reducing plastic waste and promoting ecological health.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 10, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development committee for further consideration. This step is crucial for the bill's progression through the legislative process.
  • Related Bills: The bill is related to prior-session bills A 10254 and A 5554, which may provide context or precedent for the current legislative efforts regarding plastic waste reduction.

Conclusion

Bill A 1585 represents a significant step towards environmental stewardship within state parks by targeting the reduction of single-use plastics and polystyrene foam. If enacted, it could lead to cleaner parks and a greater awareness of sustainable practices among visitors and vendors alike. The bill's progress will be closely monitored as it moves through the legislative process.

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

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