Missouri Senate passes limits on local wage, bag ordinances

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Senate has passed a bill to prevent cities from banning plastic bags and stop them from raising the minimum wage.

The measure passed 24-10 on Tuesday amid heightened tensions between Democrats and Republicans as the May 15 deadline to pass bills approaches.

The bill goes back to the House, which had passed a different version earlier this year.

Democratic senators have argued in favor of allowing cities to implement their own wage requirements in excess of state standards and to prohibit plastic bags.

Republican lawmakers have opposed that. They said their legislation will help businesses. For example, Republican Sen. Mike Kehoe of Jefferson City said different local ordinances on plastic bags could cost grocers money.

Local control is HB722.

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov