As some cities and towns around the country adopt more restrictions on business – banning plastic this or Styrofoam that, some states (Maine notwithstanding) look to put a stop to the growing patchwork of laws within their borders by preempting local regulations. A couple of recent cases in point – a week or so ago, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate 1001 into law, putting an end to any local ordinances banning single-use plastic bags. The idea of banning the bags was being pushed by Norman OK mayor-elect Breea Clark, who was advocating a 5 cent fee on plastic and paper bags. Similarly, just this week, the Florida Senate approved HB 771, a moratorium on plastic-straw bans and sent it along to Governor Ron DeSantis. The legislation prohibits local communities in the Sunshine State from enforcing any ordinance banning plastic straws until July 2024. In addition, the bill requires a study of “each ordinance or regulation adopted” by local governments relating single-use plastic straws. On the flip side of the plastic ban debate, New York legislators approved their state budget last month and therein included a ban on single-use plastic bags effective March 1, 2020. In addition, although paper bags aren’t banned, the budget also gives local cities and counties the option to charge 5 cents for each, with local government that opt in keeping 2 cents of the fee with the balance going to the New York Environmental Protection Fund.