Bill > SB5045

This bill expands Washington state's existing battery stewardship program to include electric vehicle (EV) batteries, with the goal of ensuring environmentally responsible collection, handling, and recycling of these batteries. The bill modifies several existing laws to define and incorporate EV batteries into the state's battery management framework, with key provisions including: establishing definitions for electric vehicles and EV batteries; requiring battery stewardship organizations to provide statewide collection opportunities for EV batteries by January 1, 2029; mandating that EV battery producers participate in approved battery stewardship plans; creating specific collection and safety protocols for EV batteries, including provisions for handling damaged or defective batteries; and requiring remanufactured or repurposed EV batteries to be relabeled according to department standards before being sold. The legislation recognizes the growing importance of EV batteries in the market and aims to prevent environmental contamination by ensuring these batteries are properly managed at the end of their lifecycle, while also acknowledging the unique characteristics of EV batteries compared to traditional vehicle or portable batteries.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5045&Year=2025&Initiative=false