The proposed legislation seeks to amend the existing Used Tire Recycling and Accountability Act by renaming it the Tire Management and Recycling Act and establishing a new Waste Tire Abatement Fund, while repealing the Used Tire Recycling Fund. The bill emphasizes the importance of public health and environmental quality through improved management of recyclable, waste, and used tires. Key changes include new definitions, such as "abatement," which refers to the proper removal of tires from waste sites, and an expanded definition of "beneficial use" to include civil engineering applications. The bill also sets stricter requirements for waste tire sites, including prohibiting open burning and mandating processing at permitted facilities before disposal.

Additionally, the legislation introduces a uniform used tire manifest system for tracking tire collection and disposal, mandates the creation of tire collection centers in each county, and establishes a tire accountability board for oversight. It modifies the licensing requirements for tire transporters and outlines the responsibilities of the Division of Environmental Quality in evaluating tire management programs. The bill also details the funding structure for the new Waste Tire Abatement Fund, which will support various waste tire management initiatives and administrative expenses. Changes to the rim removal fee structure are also included, transitioning to a flat fee system starting January 1, 2026, while ensuring that any remaining funds from the previous Used Tire Recycling Fund are transferred to the new fund before its repeal on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB 1982: 8-6-1002(b), 19-5-1148, 8-9-404, 8-9-401, 19-6-301, 8-9-404(a), 8-9-404(d), 19-5-203, 8-9-404(b), 8-9-404(c)