The bill amends Michigan's legislation on beverage container management, particularly focusing on returnable containers for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It changes the title from "A petition to initiate legislation" to "An initiated law" and introduces new provisions for the collection of deposits and the return of these containers. Key changes include the establishment of a beverage container handling fund and a bottle deposit fund to manage the financial aspects of the deposit system, as well as the creation of new sections defining terms like "redemption center" and "reverse vending machine." The bill mandates that dealers provide convenient means for consumers to return containers and receive refunds, while also clarifying the roles of state agencies in enforcing compliance with the new regulations.

Additionally, the bill modifies the disbursement structure of the bottle bill enforcement fund, reducing the percentage allocated to the cleanup and redevelopment trust fund from 75% to 40%, and introducing new allocations for various stakeholders, including 10% to the water security fund and 25% to dealers and redemption centers. It establishes new funds aimed at supporting water affordability programs and consumer education related to the bottle deposit system. The Department of State Police and the Department of Attorney General are tasked with reporting on enforcement efficacy three years after the bill's effective date, while the Department of Treasury is required to publish annual reports on fund performance. Importantly, the bill will only take effect if approved by a majority of voters in a general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 445.571, 445.572