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, retailers who do not comply with this mandate 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), ensuring ongoing compliance and transparency.

Furthermore, the bill extends liability protections previously granted to tire producers and stewardship organizations to include retailers, shielding them from antitrust law claims when acting under the provisions of the tire stewardship program. 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 organizations. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the management of discarded tires and promote environmental sustainability through increased retailer participation in the stewardship program.