Bill > H964

This bill establishes new regulations for the responsible end-of-life management of electric and hybrid vehicle batteries, defining key terms like "battery" (a device storing and delivering electric energy), "vehicle traction battery" (the specific battery used to power electric or hybrid vehicles), "battery provider" (the initial seller, distributor, or brand owner of these batteries), "secondary handler" (entities that sort, reuse, repair, remanufacture, or prepare batteries for repurposing or recycling), "secondary user" (entities that repurpose batteries before recycling), and "specialized battery recycler" (authorized facilities that refine battery materials or extract components for further processing). The bill prohibits landfilling of these batteries and mandates that battery providers ensure their proper end-of-life management, prioritizing reuse, repair, remanufacturing, or repurposing before recycling, as outlined in a "battery management hierarchy." Secondary handlers and users also share responsibility for this management. All involved parties must submit annual reports to the Department of Environmental Protection detailing the quantity and type of batteries managed, including recovery rates of key materials, and the Department is tasked with implementing and enforcing these provisions, ensuring alignment with federal standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H964