Bill > H2394

This bill introduces restrictions on the use of polystyrene (a type of plastic foam material) in food and retail establishments, effective August 1, 2026. Specifically, food establishments will be prohibited from serving food in disposable containers made from polystyrene, and retail establishments will be barred from selling or distributing polystyrene food service items. The bill provides detailed definitions for terms like "disposable food container," "food establishment," and "retail establishment" to clarify its scope. To account for potential economic challenges, the bill allows food establishments to apply for a one-year deferment if they can demonstrate "undue hardship" - meaning no reasonable alternatives exist and compliance would cause significant economic strain. Establishments seeking a deferment must apply to their local health department, provide comprehensive documentation supporting their claim, and may only receive extensions by reapplying and proving continued hardship. The health department is tasked with developing enforcement regulations, including establishing fines up to $1,000 for violations and creating a formal deferment process. The goal of the bill appears to be reducing polystyrene waste and encouraging more environmentally friendly food service practices.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2394