Substitute House Bill No. 5019, also known as Public Act No. 25-34, establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for consumer batteries in Connecticut, set to take effect on October 1, 2025. The bill introduces new legal language defining key terms such as "battery stewardship organization," "covered battery," and "producer," while outlining the responsibilities of producers to implement a battery stewardship plan. This plan must include the establishment of collection sites and environmentally sound disposal practices. The legislation specifies that certain batteries, such as those in medical devices or motor vehicles, are excluded from the definition of covered batteries, and it mandates that producers participate in a battery stewardship organization by January 1, 2027, with retailers prohibited from selling batteries unless the producer is part of an approved organization.

The bill further details the requirements for battery stewardship organizations, which must submit a comprehensive plan to the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection by July 1, 2026, including performance goals and public education strategies. It emphasizes the need for accessible collection sites and mandates that organizations provide necessary resources and reimburse local governments for collection costs. Additionally, the bill introduces performance audit requirements, with specific timelines for submission, and establishes labeling requirements for covered batteries starting January 1, 2028. It also provides immunity from liability for producers and retailers concerning antitrust law violations when acting under the bill's provisions, while allowing the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to collaborate with other states on battery recycling initiatives.