Bill prohibits communities from restricting plastic bag use

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Legislature has passed a bill that would prohibit communities from restricting or charging a fee for the use of plastic bags, straws, cups or other containers.

The Senate passed the House bill 31-14 on Wednesday.

Minot Republican Rep. Dan Ruby introduced the bill. Ruby also owns a waste-hauling business that covers much of northwestern North Dakota.

Ruby says the bill stops a potential patchwork of regulations across the state.