Bill > A03469

This bill establishes a Bottle Redemption Fraud Task Force to conduct a comprehensive study of fraud, enforcement, and reporting requirements related to New York's Returnable Container Act. The task force will consist of 15 members, including representatives from various state agencies like the Attorney General's office, Department of Taxation and Finance, and Department of Environmental Conservation, as well as appointees from the state senate, assembly, and governor's office. Members will represent different stakeholders such as municipalities, deposit initiators, redemption centers, and wholesale distributors. The task force is charged with investigating bottle redemption fraud, including reviewing existing laws and penalties, assessing the fiscal impact of fraudulent redemptions, examining current enforcement efforts, and exploring interstate bottle redemption fraud. Within one year of the bill's effective date, the task force must submit a detailed report to the governor and legislative leaders with findings and recommendations for addressing bottle redemption fraud. Task force members will not be compensated but will be reimbursed for expenses, and they are authorized to audit reverse vending machines. The bill will automatically expire 24 months after becoming law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3469