The proposed General Assembly Committee Bill No. 1115 seeks to strengthen the enforcement of cross-border bottle redemption prohibitions by amending Section 22a-245 of the general statutes. Key changes include the requirement for redemption centers to receive annual approval and registration from the Commissioner of Revenue Services, replacing the previous registration requirement. New stipulations for redemption centers include providing a floor plan for adequate storage and safe access, maintaining records of financial resources, and collecting specific information from individuals redeeming over 1,200 containers in a day, such as their name and vehicle license plate number. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of dealers and distributors, including prohibiting dealers from refusing to accept empty containers under certain conditions and requiring distributors to redeem discontinued containers for a specified period.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions making it illegal to return empty beverage containers not originally sold in the state or already redeemed. It mandates the display of a "Redemption Warning" sign at redemption centers and reverse vending machine locations, and requires monthly reporting to the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection on redeemed containers. The bill revises financial management statutes for the special account for beverage container deposits, ensuring deposit initiators are compensated for handling fees on containers sold beyond their deposits. It also increases penalties for violations, with escalating fines for repeat offenses, and grants the Commissioner authority to suspend or revoke redemption center registrations for non-compliance. These changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill:
ENV Joint Favorable:
File No. 666:
JUD Joint Favorable:
FIN Joint Favorable: