FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - A Republican from rural North Texas wants to put an end to Texas cities banning plastic bags.

State Rep. Drew Springer has filed a bill that would make all plastic bag bans invalid. He tells the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that such bans simply "push forward a misguided nanny-state agenda."

Austin's plastic bag ban went into effect March 1. Advocates say the ban reduces litter and helps the environment. They encourage shoppers to buy reusable bags instead.

Springer says bag bans create a "hidden social tax" and questions whether everyone who uses reusable bags will wash them regularly.

Benjamin Isgur, a board member of the nonprofit group Texas Campaign for the Environment, says Springer's bill would take away the right of local communities to decide the issue.

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