Members of the Idaho House voted 52-17 to ban cities and counties from regulating plastic bags, as other cities across the country have done.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Clark Kauffman, R-Filer, now heads to the Idaho Senate for consideration.

Kauffman told colleagues his proposal would prevent patchwork regulation across Idaho and would give consumers consistent shopping expectations.

“I’d say this is a business-friendly bill and I’d ask for your support,” Kauffman said.

Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, spoke against the plan, telling House members the proposal would strip local control.

If the measure wins approval from the Senate and is signed by Gov. Butch Otter, individual businesses would still be able to stop using plastic bags in their stores.

Republican Reps. Paul Romrell of St. Anthony and Julie VanOrden of Idaho Falls sided with Democrats to oppose the bill.