SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGTV) -- A bill that would fine sit-down restaurants in California for providing plastic straws to customers unless requested is one step closer to becoming law.
The state Assembly Wednesday advanced the bill by a vote of 45-17. Supporters of the bill say plastic straws contribute to the buildup of trash in the oceans, creating health problems for marine life.
Opponents argue that the bill makes it harder for restaurants in the state to do business and urged the Legislature to instead focus on harsher punishments for people who litter.
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Under the bill, restaurants would be warned for first and second violations, then fined $25 per day for subsequent violations.
The annual fine limit is $300. Assembly Bill 1884 still needs to be approved by the state Senate and the governor.
