Sacramento, CA — The California State legislature passed a new bill today that will phase-out all sandwich toothpicks by 2022. The bill, Senate Bill 4320.1 will require all restaurants to discontinue using “single-use toothpicks” both for sandwiches and teeth cleaning. Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign it into law.
The Single-Use and Non-Disposable Implement Act of 2019 was proposed by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) in 2017 and was taken up by the Senate late last year. After a few tweaks in committee, which included the removal of several controversial items like banning all plastic bottles, the bill moved to the floor and passed. All Democrats voted for the bill, with every Republican voting against.
“This is a terrible bill both for California citizens and liberty,” said Republican State Senator Mike Morrell. “I was receptive to banning straws, even though that’s silly too. But this toothpick thing is downright stupid.”
Not everyone disagrees with the new bill.
“I’m kinda happy about this,” said Fresno resident Ed Freeman who frequents area restaurants who use toothpicks. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bitten into a sandwich, only to have one of those god-damned toothpicks poke me in the nose. I say we get rid of them. I won’t miss it.”
The toothpick industry of America declined to comment on the pending legislation.
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