Substitute House Bill No. 6229 seeks to significantly reduce single-use plastics and polystyrene waste in Connecticut by prohibiting the sale and use of certain single-use foodware made from polystyrene and specific plastic items, such as straws and stirrers, effective July 1, 2027. The bill allows for biodegradable or compostable straws to be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities and grants municipalities the authority to impose stricter regulations. Additionally, it mandates that all state and municipal buildings, including schools, install and maintain bottle-filling stations by January 1, 2027, to promote the use of reusable water bottles. The Departments of Consumer Protection and Energy and Environmental Protection are responsible for developing an enforcement plan that includes educational outreach and compliance timelines.

The bill also establishes a task force to study the reduction of single-use plastics, which will consist of nine appointed members with relevant expertise and is required to submit a report by February 1, 2026. This task force will focus on identifying sustainable alternatives and improving processing infrastructure. The bill includes provisions for compliance and penalties for violations, with fines starting at $250 for subsequent offenses. Overall, the legislation aims to foster sustainability and reduce plastic waste while allowing for local governance on stricter regulations, with potential budgetary impacts anticipated starting in fiscal year 2028.