The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7271, aims to establish a working group tasked with studying the redemption rates of beverage containers in the state. This group will evaluate various factors, including the current redemption rates, the impact of out-of-state sales, and the effects of increasing the refund value of beverage containers to ten cents on both redemption rates and sweetened beverage consumption. The working group will consist of representatives from relevant state departments, legislative committees, industry stakeholders, and public health agencies, and is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations by January 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill proposes a reduction in the fee for infused beverage containers from one dollar to five cents, effective October 1, 2025. This fee will be assessed on each infused beverage container sold by cannabis establishments and will not be subject to sales tax. The funds collected from this fee will be directed to the consumer protection enforcement account to support public health initiatives, consumer education, and compliance with cannabis and liquor control laws.

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Raised Bill: