Bloomington, as a college town, is often referred to as a “liberal oasis” in Indiana . It’s one of the few small pools of blue in a red state.
However, Indiana state legislators are seeking to change that, and their target is a proposed ban on single-use “auxiliary containers,” also known as the disposable plastic bags consumers receive at grocery stores.
The Bloomington City Council recently proposed the ban on plastic bags.
The council’s rationale for this proposal is community-driven. They, as local government leaders, are attempting to keep their city safe, clean and sustainable.
They are doing their jobs.
But House Republicans would rather them not.
HB1053 is a bill proposed to amend the existing home rule statute in the Indiana Code to disallow local government units from regulating, taxing or banning plastic bags or other disposable auxiliary containers.
Bloomington City Council Parliamentarian Susan Sandberg said an issue like a plastic bag ban like this would require “vigorous local debate” before it is decided.
If HB1053 is passed, the city of Bloomington will not even have the ability to democratically deliberate the merits and drawbacks of a plastic bag regulation.
The idea would be completely off the table.
This action is apparently fueled by concern for the manufacturers and distributors of plastic bags.
This bill is more than that, though.
It is a serious impediment on home rule, which grants local leaders the ability to use all powers to govern their communities as they see fit based on its needs.
This sends a message to local government units that they should not be able to decide which actions can keep people safe and healthy.
Sandberg said the proposed amendment to the Indiana Code should “concern all local leaders.”
Passing this amendment or an amendment like this one could open the door to future changes of the home rule statute and hinder local government’s power more.
Each community should have the ability to progress itself and to welcome debate over said progression.
Sandberg is not ready to let the City Council just lie down and take this from the State, though.
She outlined a step moving forward.
“We should examine what industry lobby group was successful in convincing the Indiana General Assembly that a serious erosion of Home Rule was required to stop a possible local ban on single-use plastic bags,” she said.
From there, perhaps the Council can advance to ensure that its power over its city is not squashed by Republicans in the House.
meickhof@indiana.edu
@maggie_eickhoff
