At least 11 Minnesota Democrats have introduced a bill, HF 3891, to ban the sale of water in a plastic container in the State of Minnesota.
The bill reads “A manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer is prohibited from selling or offering for sale bottled water in Minnesota.” This is defined as a container that “Holds one gallon or less.”
According to the bill, “Water” means any of the following: “if intended for human consumption: natural spring or well water; water from municipal or private utility systems or other sources; distilled, deionized, filtered, or other purified water; mineral water; carbonated, sparkling, or tonic water; or any of the foregoing to which a chemical or flavoring is added. Water does not include products that are not marketed as water.”
The penalty for selling the contraband would be that “A manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer that violates subdivision 1 is subject to a civil penalty of $50 for each prepackaged saleable unit offered for sale, up to a maximum penalty of $500, and maybe enjoined from the violations.”
The Democrats that signed on to the bill include Rep. Raymond Dehn (DFL-District 59B), Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-District 61A), Rep. Duane Sauke (DFL-District 25B), Rep. Lyndon Carlson, Sr. (DFL-District 45A), Rep. Aisha Gomez (DFL-District 62B), Rep. Jennifer Schultz (DFL-District 07A), Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-District 63A), Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-District 52A), Rep. Hunter Cantrell (DFL-District 56A), Rep. Fue Lee (DFL-District 59A), Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-District 63B).
Just last month, House Democrats also launched a bill to regulate the drinks given to children who get a kids-meal.
Willis Krumholz
Willis L. Krumholz is a fellow at Defense Priorities. He holds a JD and MBA degree from the University of St. Thomas, and works in the financial services industry. The views expressed are those of the author only. You can follow Willis on Twitter @WillKrumholz.
