Bill > S07551

This bill establishes a Bottle Redemption Fraud Task Force to investigate and analyze issues related to the New York State Returnable Container Act (the state's bottle deposit law). The task force will consist of 15 members appointed by various state officials, including representatives from state agencies like the Attorney General's office, Department of Taxation and Finance, and Department of Environmental Conservation, as well as representatives from municipalities, deposit initiators, redemption centers, and wholesale distributors. The task force is charged with conducting a comprehensive study on bottle redemption fraud, including reviewing existing laws and penalties, assessing the fiscal impact of fraudulent redemptions, examining current enforcement efforts, investigating interstate bottle redemption fraud, and developing recommendations for legislative and regulatory solutions. Members will not be paid but will be reimbursed for expenses, and they are expected to have knowledge of organized retail theft. Within one year of the bill's effective date, the task force must submit a detailed report to the governor and state legislature outlining their findings. The bill will automatically expire 24 months after becoming law, ensuring the task force's work is time-limited and focused.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7551