Substitute House Bill No. 5017 amends existing legislation regarding the tire stewardship program in Connecticut, specifically focusing on the participation of tire retailers. The bill mandates that by January 1, 2026, all tire retailers must join a tire stewardship organization, a requirement that was previously voluntary. Additionally, it stipulates that any retailer failing to participate in the program by this date will be prohibited from supplying tires in the state. The bill also requires tire stewardship organizations to identify participating retailers in their implementation plans submitted to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Furthermore, the bill extends liability protections previously granted to tire producers and stewardship organizations to include retailers, shielding them from claims of antitrust violations or unfair trade practices when acting under the provisions of the law. The bill repeals and replaces certain subsections of the existing law to incorporate these changes, including the removal of the voluntary participation clause for retailers and the addition of new requirements for the stewardship program's implementation. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the management of discarded tires through increased retailer participation and accountability.