This 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 itself cannot use or purchase polystyrene foam disposable food service ware. The bill encourages restaurants to reuse food service ware instead of relying on disposable options and allows for regulations that permit restaurants to serve food in clean containers provided by customers, with measures to prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, the bill outlines specific exemptions to the polystyrene foam ban, including food packaged outside the state, reusable coolers, and areas affected by disaster emergencies.

Furthermore, the bill includes a transition provision that allows restaurants and the state to continue using polystyrene foam disposable food service ware if they had obtained it prior to the bill's effective date. The effective date for the new regulations is set for January 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to reduce the use of polystyrene foam in food service while providing flexibility for restaurants and the state 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