The bill amends Alaska's existing law regarding disposable food service ware by prohibiting restaurants from providing prepared food in polystyrene foam containers. It establishes that the state cannot use or purchase polystyrene foam disposable food service ware and encourages restaurants to reuse food service ware instead. However, the bill allows for certain exceptions, including prepared food packaged outside the state, polystyrene foam coolers intended for reuse, and areas affected by a disaster emergency. Additionally, restaurants can apply for exemptions if they can demonstrate that affordable alternatives are unavailable or that compliance would cause undue hardship.

Furthermore, the bill includes a transition provision that permits restaurants and the state to continue using polystyrene foam disposable food service ware if they had obtained it before the bill's effective date. The effective date for the new regulations is set for January 1, 2026. This legislation aims to reduce the environmental impact of disposable food service ware while providing flexibility for restaurants during the transition period.

Statutes affected:
HB0025A, AM HB 25, introduced 01/10/2025:
HB0025B, AM CSHB 25(L&C), introduced 03/17/2025: 26.23.900