Overview
- Senate Bill 958, filed Dec. 18 with a companion House bill on Dec. 26, will be taken up when the legislative session begins Jan. 13.
- Local regulations could only apply to straws that are certified renewable, home and industrial compostable, and marine biodegradable by recognized third parties such as the Biodegradable Products Institute, USDA BioPreferred Program, or TÜV Austria.
- Municipalities would have until Jan. 1, 2027 to bring existing ordinances into compliance, with exemptions for prepackaged beverages and for hospitals, medical facilities, and senior care centers.
- The proposal cites university research reporting PFAS in many paper straw brands and frames any future rules as science-driven, also noting disability access concerns.
- Cities with plastic-straw restrictions and large venues like Walt Disney World could face sourcing changes if the legislation passes.