Bill > H2837

This bill aims to provide tax credits to restaurants that utilize reusable utensils, dishes, glasses, and bulk condiments. The key provisions are as follows: 1. Restaurants that meet the "Certified Green Restaurant" criteria set by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) can receive a $5,000 sales and use tax credit upon certification, and an additional $5,000 credit per year for up to three years if they continue to meet the certification standards. These standards include using reusable items for in-house dining and offering reusable mug and container incentives for take-out services. 2. Restaurants whose main competitors would typically use disposable items can also receive a $5,000 sales and use tax credit upon certification as a "Certified Green Restaurant" and an additional $5,000 credit the following year if they continue to meet the certification standards. 3. The DEP is required to establish rules and regulations, including adopting the Green Restaurant Certification and Green Dining Destination standards developed by the Green Restaurant Association, within one year of the bill's passage. The bill aims to incentivize restaurants to use more environmentally friendly practices by providing tax credits for the use of reusable items, thereby reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H2837