This bill, Substitute Bill No. 6606, concerns the use of certain products made from polystyrene. Section 1 of the bill requires each school district, regional school district, regional vocational technical school, and constituent unit of higher education to develop a plan for discontinuing the use of trays made from expanded polystyrene. The plan must be developed by July 1, 2024, and the discontinuation of the use of such trays must occur by July 1, 2025. The bill defines "expanded polystyrene" as blown polystyrene and expanded and extruded foams that are thermoplastic petrochemical materials utilizing a styrene monomer and processed by various techniques.

Section 2 of the bill, effective July 1, 2024, prohibits the provision or distribution of single-use containers made of expanded polystyrene by owners or operators of restaurants or caterers. Violations of this provision may result in fines ranging from $200 to $1,000. The bill allows for the provision or distribution of single-use containers that are filled and sealed prior to receipt by a restaurant or caterer, or that are used by a butcher or store to contain raw meat sold to a consumer. The bill also allows for enforcement of these provisions by local health departments or health districts, with fines being remitted to the municipality where the violation occurred. The Commissioners of Public Health, Consumer Protection, and Energy and Environmental Protection are required to submit a report on the enforcement of these provisions and the need for a hardship waiver to the General Assembly by February 1, 2025. The bill does not preempt more restrictive municipal ordinances or apply to patient care units in chronic disease hospitals or rehabilitation facilities.