Bill > S2283

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for the responsible end-of-life management of electric and hybrid vehicle batteries in Massachusetts. The legislation defines key terms such as "battery provider" (the entity initially selling or distributing vehicle traction batteries), "end-of-life" (when a battery is no longer suitable for its primary purpose), and "specialized battery recycler" (a facility that refines or extracts battery materials). The bill prohibits disposing of vehicle traction batteries in landfills and requires battery providers to ensure responsible end-of-life management, prioritizing a hierarchy of actions: reuse, repair, remanufacture, repurpose, and ultimately recycling. Battery providers must coordinate with specialized recyclers and are not liable for remanufactured batteries unless they performed the work. Secondary handlers and users are also responsible for end-of-life battery management. The legislation mandates annual reporting to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, detailing the volume of batteries managed, those sent to recycling, and the recovery rates of key materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt. The department is authorized to review, evaluate, and enforce these provisions, with the ability to revise regulations to align with federal standards and ensure practical implementation.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2283