The proposed bill, titled "An Act relative to tethered caps on single-serve beverage containers," seeks to amend Chapter 94 of the General Laws by introducing a new section, 323F, which mandates that all single-serve beverage containers sold in Massachusetts must be equipped with tethered caps starting January 1, 2028. A tethered cap is defined as a closure that remains physically connected to the beverage container, preventing it from being fully separated during normal use. The bill outlines specific definitions for terms such as "beverage," "beverage container," and "distributor," and establishes the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as the regulatory authority responsible for implementing and enforcing these requirements.

Certain exemptions are included in the bill, such as beverage containers with a capacity of three liters or more, those not primarily made of plastic, and containers sealed with non-separable closures. The Department is tasked with creating regulations to ensure compliance and may consult with relevant stakeholders during this process. Violations of the tethered cap requirement could result in civil penalties, and local municipalities retain the right to impose stricter regulations if desired. The bill emphasizes that its provisions will not take effect until the specified date, allowing time for manufacturers and distributors to adapt to the new requirements.