Bill > HB05226

This bill establishes an extended producer responsibility program for certain consumer batteries sold in Connecticut. The key provisions are: 1. Producers of covered batteries (portable and medium format batteries) must participate in an approved battery stewardship plan by January 1, 2026 for portable batteries and January 1, 2028 for medium format batteries. Producers that do not participate cannot sell their batteries in the state. 2. Retailers cannot sell covered batteries or battery-containing products unless the producer is participating in an approved stewardship plan. 3. Battery stewardship organizations must submit plans for approval by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, which must include performance goals, collection methods, recycling targets, and public education efforts. 4. The battery stewardship organizations are responsible for funding and implementing the approved plans, including providing free and convenient collection opportunities statewide. 5. The bill sets requirements for labeling of covered batteries and allows battery stewardship organizations to sue non-compliant producers for damages. 6. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection can assess an annual fee on the battery stewardship organizations to cover administrative and enforcement costs.