Bill > HB833

This bill reestablishes the Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Maryland, altering its membership and responsibilities to address the growing use of these batteries. The Commission, which will continue to be chaired by its current member and receive staff support from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, will now include representatives from various sectors such as state agencies, battery manufacturers, local government, fire services, the Port of Baltimore, and the insurance industry. Its mandate is to study and recommend best practices, standards, and guidelines for preventing, detecting, and suppressing lithium-ion battery fires in consumer, transportation, and utility applications, as well as at recycling facilities. The Commission will also explore issues like battery reuse, recycling, decommissioning, producer responsibility, public education, and the integration of federal regulations, with a requirement to submit an interim report by December 1, 2026, and a final report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2027. This Act will be in effect for two years and one month, expiring on June 30, 2028.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0833?ys=2026RS